Russian agents in London planned the kidnapping of The Insider* editor-in-chief Roman Dobrokhotov** - trial

A spy ring allegedly discussing the kidnapping of Russian investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov has been uncovered in the UK. The prosecution spoke about this at the Central Criminal Court in London during the trial of five Bulgarian citizens, writes the BBC.

According to the investigation, the group intended to take Dobrokhotov out of London (where he then lived) by boat. The operation was codenamed "Fishing".

The key figure in the conspiracy is Bulgarian citizen Orlin Rusev, who, according to the prosecution, coordinated the group’s actions in the interests of Russian intelligence services. Rusev, as well as another Bulgarian, Biser Dzhambazov, admitted their guilt.

Another person involved, Austrian citizen Jan Marsalek, was previously put on the international wanted list in the case of the financial startup Wirecard, and allegedly worked closely with Russia.

The investigation into the group's activities lasted almost three years, and numerous evidence was presented to the court, including encrypted correspondence between participants, the BBC notes .

The investigation found that the participants exchanged thousands of messages, discussing routes, financing and logistics of the kidnapping. In particular, Marsalek shared with Rusev his thoughts that the successful removal of Dobrokhotov could help restore the reputation of Russian intelligence after the failure with the poisoning of Sergei Skripal.

• British authorities have already called this case a serious threat to national security, the BBC notes .

** The Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation recognized it as an undesirable organization whose activities are prohibited

**The Ministry of Justice considers him a foreign agent*