UK Jails Six Bulgarians for Russian Spy Operations

Six Bulgarian nationals have been sentenced to more than 50 years collectively in the United Kingdom for conducting espionage operations on behalf of Russian intelligence, according to authorities. The individuals, who were not named in the summary, were found guilty of participating in a covert network that gathered sensitive information and carried out surveillance activities across the U.K.

The operation, described as an “outsourced” effort by Moscow, highlights the Kremlin’s continued reliance on foreign nationals to carry out intelligence missions abroad. Prosecutors said the group was involved in prolonged spying activities, which posed significant national security risks.

The sentencing marks one of the most significant espionage-related convictions in the U.K. in recent years, underscoring heightened concerns over foreign interference. The case adds to growing tensions between Western governments and Russia, particularly over the use of proxy operatives.

All six received multi-year prison terms, reflecting the severity of the offenses and the threat posed to national security.