Russian Spy Cell in UK Planned Kidnapping and Murder of Investigative Journalists

March 08, 2025 – Russia/UK –

In a disturbing revelation from early 2025, a Russian spy ring operating in the United Kingdom plotted to kidnap and assassinate two prominent investigative journalists: Christo Grozev and Roman Dobrokhotov. The spy network, led by Bulgarian national Orlin Roussev and linked to fugitive Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek, was convicted of espionage activities carried out between 2020 and 2023.

Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian journalist and lead Russia investigator for Bellingcat, has long been targeted by the Kremlin for his work exposing Russian state crimes, including the 2018 poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal and the attempted assassination of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020. U.S. officials warned Grozev of a potential Russian plot against him in 2023, and subsequent investigations revealed the spy cell had been tracking him across Europe. The conspirators discussed various methods to eliminate Grozev, including poisoning with ricin or nerve agents and even the horrifying idea of burning him alive on a public street.

Roman Dobrokhotov, editor-in-chief of the Russian investigative outlet The Insider, was also targeted by the same spy ring. The conspirators planned to kidnap Dobrokhotov and smuggle him back to Russia. Their discussions included violent assassination tactics such as poisoning, disfigurement, and attacks using a sledgehammer or even a suicide bomber.

In March 2025, six members of the Bulgarian spy ring were sentenced in a UK court, with Roussev receiving the longest prison term of over 10 years. Despite these convictions, both Grozev and Dobrokhotov continue to face serious security threats, remaining under constant surveillance and fearing future assassination attempts.

This case starkly illustrates the grave dangers faced by investigative journalists who challenge authoritarian regimes. It underscores the urgent need for international protections and support for journalists working in hostile environments, highlighting the ongoing global struggle for press freedom in the face of violent intimidation and repression.