Spy networks have long operated in the shadows, using deception and manipulation to recruit unsuspecting individuals.
Throughout history, intelligence agencies have relied on civilians who may not even realize they are part of an operation.
Many are drawn in through false promises, financial incentives, or personal relationships, only to later find themselves entangled in high-stakes espionage.
Wanted to be a police officer
Vania Gaberova, a 30-year-old beautician living in London, now finds herself at the center of a high-profile spy case.
Accused of conducting surveillance for Russia, she told a British court that she believed she was working for Interpol.
Her involvement began in 2021 after meeting Bizer Dzhambazov, a 43-year-old medical courier who introduced himself as a law enforcement officer.
According to her testimony, Dzhambazov showed her an identification badge and promised to help her become a police officer.
He claimed he could enroll her in a "police school in Wembley," which later turned out to be nonexistent, according to Digi24.
He also insisted that civilians like her were ideal for surveillance work since they blended into crowds.
Gaberova admitted that she carried out tasks across Europe but insisted she never questioned Dzhambazov’s background.
When her family members raised doubts about his claims, she dismissed their concerns. Even after her arrest in February 2023, she said she did not suspect anything was wrong.
British prosecutors argue that Gaberova was knowingly involved in espionage for Russia.
Dzhambazov has already pleaded guilty to spying, along with another co-conspirator, Orlin Roussev.
Investigators believe Roussev was working under the direction of Jan Marsalek, an Austrian fugitive with alleged ties to Russian intelligence.
One mission involved tracking Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, known for exposing Russian spy operations.
In September 2021, Gaberova was allegedly tasked with following Grozev from an airport in Valencia to his hotel.
She now claims she was unaware of the true nature of her assignment, saying Dzhambazov always had convincing explanations.
