A Russian spy involved in a love triangle claimed he had cancer to cover up his “double life” and had an affair with another spy, his partner has told a court.
Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, was found by police in bed with a beautician named Vanya Gaberova, 30, when they were arrested at a flat in Euston, north London, in February 2023.
Mr Dzhambazov's girlfriend, Katrin Ivanova, 33, from Harrow, north London, had rented the flat where her partner used to have the affair and redecorated it so they could move in, she told the Old Bailey.
She didn't know about the affair until police told her after her arrest and even bought the bed they slept in, she added.
Dzhambazov acknowledges that he spied on behalf of the Russians, but both women in the love triangle deny the accusations.
Ivanova told a jury that she did not question her partner when he asked her to go with him to film an American barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, because she was “not trying to pressure him.”
Orlin Roussev, who ran the spy ring from a boarding house in Great Yarmouth, believed Patch Barracks was used to train Ukrainian troops to operate Patriot missile air defense batteries.
Prosecutors say the pair were on a surveillance trip for Russian intelligence and planned to return with devices called IMSI grabbers, which would be able to identify the mobile phone numbers of Ukrainian recruits and target them upon their return to Ukraine.
Bulgarian national Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, has admitted spying on behalf of Russia in Britain
Mr Dzhambazov was found in bed with a beautician named Vanya Gaberova (pictured), in a flat in Euston, north London, which was raided by police in February 2023.
Mr Dzhambazov and Ms Gaberova had their illicit contacts in the flat rented and redecorated by Katrin Ivanova, Mr Dzhambazov's long-term partner (pictured)
Dressed in a black jacket and a black T-shirt, Ivanova told the jury: 'At that time I was told by Bizer that we should go to Stuttgart and take some pictures of the area around the base.
“The base was very close to where my dad lived and I was really excited because I could take a little city break and see my dad because he lived two hours away.”
She “had no idea” why he might be taking photos and was able to look at a lot of information about the base online, she said.
“I couldn't see how those pictures would help Orlin or anyone else,” she added.
Rupert Bowers KC, defending, asked whether Dzahmabzov explained why Roussev wanted the images.
“No, the usual answer is 'for Orlin' and I'm not trying to put any pressure on it,” Ms Ivanova said.
'I was quite worried when we arrived and he wanted to go to base. The thought in my head was, “What is this all about?” and when I asked questions I was shouted down.”
Ms Ivanova said she wanted to ask 'why, how, what is this all about, why are you getting involved?'
The three involved in the love triangle are among five Bulgarians charged with spying for Russia by the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Sketches of court artists from left to right: Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Bizer Dzhambazov
The spy ring is believed to be masterminded by Orlin Roussev (pictured) from his guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The Haydee Hotel guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, allegedly used by Orlin Roussev to plot the spy ring's actions
Referring to a video she shot outside the barracks, Ms. Ivanova said “You can see I was worried then.”
In the video you can hear her say in Bulgarian: “He was running, they have seen us now.”
A visibly irritated Mr Dzhambazov, carrying two energy drinks, replies: 'Why is it necessary to constantly comment on such things.' To which Ms. Ivanova replies, “Okay, I'm just telling you.”
She added: “Bizer had been telling me since 2021 that he had cancer or brain tumors and his health was deteriorating, and since 2021 every time he went somewhere he was looking for extra money to try to save money in case something to happen.
'We had several discussions about his health. As a normal couple who has lived together for more than 10 years, you would expect information to be shared with each other, the progress of his health, but things like that didn't happen. In that respect he was very private and did not let himself down
'Every time I tried to approach Bizer and ask about his health, I was told to put pressure on him and to leave him alone and let him deal with his health in his own way.
“If I want to support him, I have to understand that my way of supporting him is by not asking questions.”
In messages to Dzhambazov as he allegedly sought medical attention in Bulgaria on October 22, 2021, Ivanova told him: “You know you can count on me 100 percent, right? I also want to be part of what the doctor told you.
A video was played in court showing Mr Dzhambazov outside an American barracks in Stuggart, Germany, with his girlfriend Katrin Ivanova, who informed him that they had been spotted by security.
A visibly irritated Mr Dzhambazov, carrying two energy drinks, replies: “Why is it necessary to constantly comment on such things?”
Ms. Ivanova, who denies being a Russian spy, then responds: “Okay, I'm just telling you.”
'I know you like to solve the difficulties yourself, but that is why we are together as a family to support and help each other.
“I'll be happy to talk to you when you're ready so I know what's happening to the man next to me. I love you and waiting for you to call me and add kisses and love heart emojis.
Mr Bowers pointed out that Dzhambazov was still 'alive' and Ivanova replied: 'I believe it's a complete lie. Now I understand the situation differently.
“I now understand that he led a double life and had a relationship not only with me, but also with my co-defendant Vanya Gaberova.”
Roussev and Dzhambazov have pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act. Ivanova, Gaberova and Tihomir Ivanchev deny the charges. All five are Bulgarian nationals with permanent status in the EU. The process continues.
