Two Russian Spy Ring Members Deported From UK

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 10, 2026

Two Bulgarian nationals involved in a Russian spy network targeting critics of Vladimir Putin in the UK have been deported after serving portions of their prison sentences. Their early release and deportation have sparked concern among those they surveilled, who criticize the timing and lack of communication from authorities.

Two members of a Russian espionage network operating in the United Kingdom have been deported after serving portions of their prison sentences. Bulgarian nationals Vanya Gaberova, 31, and Ivan Stoyanov, 34, were part of a six-member cell accused of conducting surveillance on critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin while based in a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Gaberova was responsible for orchestrating "honey traps" aimed at compromising targets aligned with opposition to the Kremlin. She was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison, while Stoyanov received a five-year term. Both were released after completing roughly half their respective sentences before being expelled from the UK.

The deportation has drawn criticism from some of the individuals targeted by the spy ring. Journalist Christo Grozev, one such target, expressed concern over the timing of their release, stating that the pair had effectively been "set free by the UK" and lamenting the lack of communication with those under surveillance.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party commented on the government's approach to handling foreign nationals convicted of criminal offenses, asserting that the current administration is focusing on expelling such offenders from the country.

Authorities have not commented further on the matter or the specifics surrounding the deportation process.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.