A GROUP of alleged Russian spies monitored targets for “potential abduction” from their British seaside hotel HQ, a court heard.

       The three men and two women are accused of conspiring to commit espionage following a major Met Police investigation.

       13

       Bizer Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova have appeared in court Credit: Facebook 13

       Vanya Gaberova has also been charged Credit: East2West

       Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.

       The group, all Bulgaria natives, allegedly conspired to gather information that would be useful to an enemy between August 2020 and February this year.

       They used a surveillance kit to gain information and pass it onto a tasker in Russia while working for a UK network, the court heard.

       This information was allegedly used to "conduct hostile acts" against specific targets, including their "potential abductions".

       Read more news FEMME FATALES How Putin sends beauties to spy on UK after they attend ‘seduction schools’

       BEIJING BUG China tried to spy on civil servant by hiding a listening device in a teapot

       Roussev's seaside hotel home in Great Yarmouth was used as the "operating hub" for the alleged spying offences, it was said.

       The five defendants were arrested under the British Official Secrets Act following raids on properties in London and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

       They spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses when they appeared via video-link this morning.

       The group was remanded into custody ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on October 13.

       Most read in The Sun

       AIR LINES BA pilot snorts coke off topless woman... then tries to fly packed plane to UK

       PARK HORROR Center Parcs staff member who died after being hit by car is pictured

       ENDER AN ERA Danny Dyer reveals damning reason he left EastEnders & slams former co-stars

       WALLIAMS HITS BACK David Walliams SUES BGT bosses after he was axed over X-rated rant

       Last month it emerged Dzhambazov and Ivanova had lived an unsuspecting life in Britain for ten years.

       Dzhambazov has reportedly worked as a hospital driver, while Ivanova worked as a private sector laboratory assistant.

       The pair would visit their neighbours with pies and cakes as gifts and were popular figures in their community in Harrow, North London.

       They were previously charged alongside Roussev with possession of false identity documents with "improper intention".

       Gaberova meanwhile is an award-winning beautician who ran a salon called Pretty Woman in Acton, West London.

       Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “The CPS has authorised a charge of conspiracy to conduct espionage against three men and two women suspected of spying for Russia.

       “Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, will be charged with conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state between 30 August 2020 and 8 February 2023.

       “Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were previously charged on 11 February 2023 with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010.

       “The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command."

       13

       The alleged 'hub' in Great Yarmouth Credit: Albanpix 13

       Gaberova is an award-winning beautician Credit: East2West 13

       Ivan Stoyanov is among those charged 13

       Ivanova appearing via video link at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today Credit: PA 13

       Gaberova lived a suburban life in London Credit: PA 13

       Bulgarian national Stoyanov also appeared via video link Credit: PA 13

       Dzhambazov is among the group accused of conspiring to commit espionage Credit: PA 13

       Roussev was arrested under the Official Secrets Act Credit: PA 13

       Dzhambazov is one of five people charged with spying Credit: Facebook 13

       He lived in Harrow with her partner Ivanova 13

       Roussev is also charged with possession of false identity documents