Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Court rules that group accused of spying for Russia remain in custody

Photo: BTA

After all-night hearings, the military court ruled that the 5 people detained on charges of espionage for the benefit of Russia remain in custody, BTA reports. One member of the group made a confession and was released on bail on the day he was detained.

Among those detained is former military officer Ivan Iliev whom the prosecutor’s office is charging as leader of the group, his wife, who has dual-citizenship and who is accused of serving as contact with the Russian embassy in Sofia and the deputy head of the Defence Ministry’s budget department colonel Petar Petrov. The court rulings are subject to appeal.

The reason why the court sat through the night was the fact that the lawyers for the defendants requested to get acquainted with the evidence collected by the prosecution. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov

At the beginning of 2025, Bulgaria has accepted as many foreign workers as in the whole of 2024

Between 50,000 and 70,000 foreign workers may be included in the Bulgarian labor market by the end of the year , according to estimates by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. This was announced by Minister Borislav Gutsanov before the relevant..

published on 6/12/25 9:44 AM

Bulgaria wants the European integration of Ukraine and Moldova because of its national minority

The transition and accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU are important because the largest Bulgarian national minority is located there, said Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in Odessa. He participated in the fourth Ukraine-Southeast..

published on 6/12/25 8:50 AM

Gabrovo hosts the traveling book exhibition "Book Alley''

The town of Gabrovo hosts the traveling book exhibition "Book Alley''. The event will take place from June 12 to 15 in the central pedestrian zone, where five exhibition tents will showcase the work of 16 Bulgarian publishing houses. Visitors will..

published on 6/12/25 6:10 AM