Jan Marsalek, a former Wirecard board member and alleged Russian spy, reportedly aimed to surveil a US military base in Stuttgart. An investigation revealed a broader espionage network, leading to Roussev’s arrest and the analysis of 80,000 communications. The trial, highlighting attempts to monitor Ukrainian soldiers and potential assassination plots, showcases the Russian government’s involvement. Six Bulgarians face espionage charges, and Marsalek’s ambitions for operations in Germany and the UK were thwarted when the network was dismantled.
Allegations Against Marsalek and Espionage Activities
Jan Marsalek, the former board member of Wirecard and suspected Russian spy, reportedly sought to conduct surveillance on a US military base located in Stuttgart. This was not the first time that his alleged associates had operated within Germany.
The operation, which culminated in numerous arrests, was initiated by a seemingly innocuous query sent via chat: “Can we utilize the IMSI catcher in Germany? We need to monitor Ukrainians within a German military installation.”
For those unfamiliar, an IMSI catcher is an advanced technological device capable of intercepting the phone numbers of individuals in close proximity.
In October 2022, the messages were transmitted through Telegram, and Western security agencies believe they originated from Marsalek himself. The response from Orlin Roussev, a Bulgarian believed to be Marsalek’s ally in England, was swift: “Of course we can do that.” He further mentioned that the device to intercept phone numbers “has been sitting unused in my Indiana Jones garage.” This marked the beginning of a highly sensitive operation.
Investigations Uncover Extensive Spy Network
Since Roussev’s arrest in February 2023, British investigators have meticulously analyzed nearly 80,000 chat messages, financial transactions, and travel movements. This data lays the groundwork for a dramatic trial currently unfolding in London.
The trial focuses on an alleged espionage ring, with Marsalek playing a pivotal role. He is accused of orchestrating the activities of the network surrounding Roussev as a Russian operative following his escape in mid-2020. Several Bulgarians involved have confessed to espionage for Russia, while others, including two women and a man, deny any knowledge of their actions being tied to Moscow.
Further insights suggest that the network supporting Marsalek is likely more extensive than previously believed.
Recent investigations have highlighted how deeply Germany came under scrutiny from Marsalek’s alleged espionage ring. Various chat messages presented in the London courtroom, along with ongoing investigations, reveal the reasons behind the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office’s involvement.
Security agencies have long warned about threats including assassination plots, kidnappings, and drone surveillance, all allegedly orchestrated from Russia.
For instance, Marsalek purportedly enlisted a group of Turkish individuals in Berlin to funnel money for a planned operation targeting investigative journalist Christo Grozev in Vienna. Conversations between Marsalek and Roussev even detailed discussions about kidnapping and potential assassination schemes.
Additionally, one defendant in London testified about creating a derogatory poster featuring Economy Minister Robert Habeck, with a provocative message linking energy conservation to the Wehrmacht.
Focus on the US Military Base
The espionage of the US base, Patch Barracks, situated near Stuttgart, plays a crucial role in the ongoing London trial. This military installation is heavily fortified, serving as the headquarters for US armed forces. Roussev specified the espionage mission, claiming he dispatched two Bulgarians to Stuttgart in late 2022 to lay the groundwork for a significant future operation.
According to Roussev, they needed to observe the entrance to a training facility for Ukrainian soldiers. He indicated that the IMSI catcher should be installed in an apartment nearby. Marsalek even suggested using a drone to monitor the base’s activities, pondering how long it would take before they noticed.
Footage from the initial trip to Stuttgart, captured with a concealed camera, was shown to the jurors, revealing how a Bulgarian, who had already confessed, and another defendant walked close to the military facility’s fence, past a parked police vehicle.
One Bulgarian commented on the extensive surveillance, noting “there are cameras every five meters on both sides.” In court, the accused Bulgarian woman admitted she hadn’t questioned the purpose or beneficiaries of the assignment, as she was eager for the operation, given that her father lived nearby.
Despite Marsalek’s concerns about safety, caution was evidently not a priority for the amateur agents involved. He questioned Roussev, “Aren’t you worried that they might attract too much attention near the fence?” Marsalek also relayed warnings from his contacts in Russian intelligence, urging the team to exercise extreme caution, particularly as German authorities were reportedly on high alert regarding Russian espionage.
The British legal system has charged six Bulgarian nationals with espionage on behalf of Russia.
In a detailed breakdown of the planned operation’s costs, Roussev estimated expenses to range between 40,000 and 45,000 euros for a single month of activities.
As preparations began in early February 2023, Marsalek informed Roussev that 70 Ukrainians had arrived in Germany for training on the Patriot air defense system. Roussev assured Marsalek that they would soon be operational. Marsalek, excited about the progress, began contemplating further operations, stating, “After we’ve utilized the IMSI in Germany, we could replicate it in the UK.”
However, the anticipated plans never materialized. Shortly after, Roussev and his Bulgarian associates were apprehended. By early November 2024, Roussev confessed in court, stating, “I am guilty.”