Russian Spy Ring Targeted Dissident Journalist

A Russian spy ring, led by Orlin Roussev, plotted to kidnap Roman Dobrokhotov, a dissident journalist residing in the UK, utilizing a scheme dubbed 'Operation Fishing Boat'. Roussev, who ran the operation from a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, was in communication with Jan Marsalek, an alleged intermediary for Russian intelligence, discussing plans to smuggle Dobrokhotov out of the UK amid rising migrant numbers and perceived lax border security. The court heard that the group considered various methods for the kidnapping, including poisoning Dobrokhotov with ricin or VX nerve agent. The trial also revealed the spy ring's broader activities, which included surveillance of key locations of interest to the Russian state. Several Bulgarian nationals are currently on trial for their involvement, with Roussev and his associate Dzhambazov having admitted to conspiracy charges. This case underscores the ongoing threats posed by foreign espionage operations targeting dissidents and journalists.