Bulgarian Authorities Ban Russian Citizens Suspected of Espionage
Bulgarian authorities impose entry ban on two Russian citizens suspected of espionage for Moscow's foreign intelligence service. The Russians lived in Bulgaria under false identities and their mission was to obtain authentic Bulgarian identity documents for intelligence activities outside the country.
Key Points
- Russian citizens Vladimir Nikolayevich Gorochkin and Tatiana Anatolievna Gorochkina were living in Bulgaria under false identities
- Their mission was to obtain authentic Bulgarian identity documents for intelligence activities outside Bulgaria
- Five Bulgarians in the U.K. were previously charged with spying for Russia
Pros
- Preventing potential espionage activities in Bulgaria and European Union member states
- Revealing and disrupting a covert operation by Moscow's Foreign Intelligence Service
Cons
- Tension and strain in diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Russia