British Investigators Suspect Former Director of Fictitious Wirecard in Espionage for Russia
British investigators suspect that Jan Marsalek, the former chief operating officer of the German payment system Wirecard, was involved in espionage on behalf of Russia. According to the investigation, he participated in a "conspiracy to gather information beneficial to the adversary, either directly or indirectly, between 2020 and 2023," as reported by Der Spiegel.
Law enforcement authorities allege that Marsalek acted as an intermediary between Russian agents and a group of Bulgarians suspected of espionage for Russia, who faced trial in London last week. Leading this group was Orlin Russev, who, according to his LinkedIn profile, managed a London-based IT company specializing in digital surveillance. It was through him that Marsalek's connections were exposed. Investigators also suspect that Marsalek acted on the orders of Russian intelligence agencies and played a crucial role in this espionage group.
Members of the espionage network reportedly used journalistic cover as a disguise. During searches, counterfeit documents were found in their possession, including press cards and clothing with logos of Discovery and National Geographic television channels. Additionally, one of the detainees was found with equipment used for conducting interviews.
According to British authorities, the members of this espionage group operated in several European countries and conducted surveillance on individuals who were "unpopular with the Russian regime." Law enforcement agencies believe that the suspects may have been preparing attacks on these individuals.
It is suggested that Marsalek may have been recruited by Russian intelligence as an informant and collaborator during his time as a manager at Wirecard. There is evidence that in the past, Marsalek maintained contacts with individuals who are now accused of espionage.
Marsalek is also known for his key role in the case involving the embezzlement of over €2 billion from Wirecard accounts, which led to an international manhunt for him in 2020. Furthermore, there is an investigation suggesting that Marsalek visited Russia numerous times over a span of 10 years and may currently be in hiding in Russia, having obtained Russian citizenship and residing in Moscow under the protection of the FSB.
To recap, five individuals suspected of espionage on behalf of Russia appeared before a London court. Orlin Russev, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova are accused of conducting surveillance on people and locations for the benefit of Russia from August 2020 to February 2023. They were arrested by counterterrorism police in February on charges related to national security and have been remanded in custody.