A woman accused of spying for Russia told a court her partner lied about having a brain tumour in order to lead a “double life”. Katrin Ivanova, 33, allegedly carried out surveillance on individuals and places of interest to Russia between August 30 2020 and February 8 2023.
Giving evidence in the witness box on Friday, Ivanova told jurors she believes her partner Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who has pleaded guilty to espionage charges, lied about having a brain tumour in October 2021. “When I asked about his health, I was being told I was pressuring him,” Ivanova told jurors.
The court was told Dzhambazov is alive and well at present. Earlier on Friday, Ivanova, a Bulgarian national, told jurors she met Dzhambazov while working in a summer job when she was 17. Ten years her senior, Dzhambazov moved into Ivanova’s family home in Bulgaria a few months into their relationship.
Ivanova, a laboratory assistant, is facing trial alongside beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, and decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39. Jurors have previously heard that Dzhambazov, 43, was in a relationship with both Ivanova and Gaberova, with the latter formerly involved with Ivanchev.
Despite living with Ivanova, Dzhambazov was arrested while naked in bed with beautician Gaberova at her home in Euston, north London, jurors have heard. “I understand now that he was living a double life and having another relationship not only with me but with my co-defendant,” Ivanova said.
