Pair chatted on Telegram about plot to target Christo Grozev, known for his investigations into Russian espionage. An agent for Russia and a Bulgarian based in Britain discussed setting up a “honeytrap” for an investigative journalist, the Old Bailey has heard. Jan Marsalek, the agent, chatted on Telegram with Orlin Roussev in September 2021 about a plot to target the award-winning journalist Christo Grozev, known for his investigations into Russian espionage, prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said. Roussev suggested to Marsalek that Vanya Gaberova, 30, could “move slowly to romance” and “push for a date” with Grozev, 64, after the journalist was “very quick” to accept a Facebook friendship request from her. They said the London-based beautician would be too “strongly independent” to fall for him. Grozev “seems hooked and in love with Vanya”, Roussev claimed in correspondence read out in court, and he had started “liking” pictures and posts she had made, creating what he said was a possibility for a fake romance. Marsalek queried whether she “would be up for that” and suggested: “Let’s wait a little, let’s not underestimate the guy and his paranoia.” Roussev, however, said he believed the plot could work because Gaberova was “red hot”. In response, Marsalek voiced a degree of uncertainty, writing in a communication between the two men disclosed in court: “True. I hope she does not fall in love with him. I had that problem before with a honeytrap.”
via guardian: Agent for Russia and UK-based Bulgarian planned ‘honeytrap’ for journalist, court hears