Bulgarians Sentenced in UK Espionage Case: A Village Reacts
Six Bulgarian nationals have been sentenced in the United Kingdom for espionage on behalf of Russia, receiving a combined prison term exceeding 50 years. Biser Dzhambazov and Orlin Rusev, identified as the alleged leader, pleaded guilty to the charges. However, the remaining three defendants maintained their innocence, asserting in court that they were deceived and unwittingly implicated in the scheme.
Dolno Osenovo Stands by Vanya Gaberova
Vanya Gaberova, from the village of Dolno osenovo in the Simitli region, received a six-year sentence. Residents of her hometown express disbelief and consider the punishment unduly harsh,according to a report by BNT.
Did you know? Dolno Osenovo is a small village where opportunities for employment are limited,leading many residents to seek work abroad.
Locals attribute Gaberova’s move abroad to the scarcity of employment opportunities in Dolno Osenovo.
you went to your child abroad, you see here – there is no money, what was it in, if it was misled – I cannot understand. Her mother – a good woman, good people, good children, educated, but to luck, is it a fate human?
Benka Kurova, Gaberova’s mother, has been deeply concerned over the past year.
Every day, my child is not like that, what you know, and not only me, a whole village, I do not know what he got into, how they got him in these things,Benka Kurova, vanya Gaberova’s Mother
Village in disbelief
The prevailing sentiment in Dolno Osenovo is one of disbelief that gaberova could be involved in espionage for Russia.
It’s sad, sad. We were very sorry for the whole village for him, when we heard that it happened,Macedonian chobanova, Dolno Osenovo resident
They condemned him so much – innocent … My opinion is such that it is unfair. As of some others suffer some and the next,Mariana Segmenova, Dolno Osenovo Resident
Gaberova’s Defence
During the trial in London, Gaberova testified that she was deceived by Biser Dzhambazov, who allegedly misrepresented himself as an Interpol employee investigating corruption.
Pro Tip: In espionage cases, individuals may be recruited under false pretenses, making it challenging to discern their true involvement.
I love you! I love you! I’ll drive you on vacation! I’ll open you a beauty salon! And she was lied to. maybe he used her as a screen, this studio to cover her, he makes her on vacation, how to know who eavesdropping and what is being done. Whether she was guilty – we do not believe!Violeta Segmenova, Dolno Osenovo Resident
