Bulgaria enforces entry ban on 2 alleged Russian spies

Bulgaria imposes a five-year EU entry ban on two Russian nationals suspected of espionage

Bulgarian authorities have enforced a five-year entry ban into the European Union against two Russian citizens, Vladimir Nikolayevich Gorochkin, 39, and Tatiana Anatolievna Gorochkina, 37, on suspicions of espionage.

The State Agency for National Security (DANS) identified these individuals as operatives of Moscow’s Foreign Intelligence Service, previously residing in Bulgaria under the aliases Denis Rashkov and Diana Rashkova.

DANS revealed that Gorochkin and Gorochkina aimed to acquire authentic Bulgarian identity documents and credible biographical details. They intended to use these for intelligence activities outside Bulgaria.

The agency has not specified their current location or the date of their departure from the country. This measure is part of Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.

In 2022 Bulgaria expelled a record number of 70 Russian diplomats, indicating a significant shift in the historically close relationship between the two countries. This move corresponds with Bulgaria’s support for Western sanctions against Moscow following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

Moreover, the recent charges against five Bulgarians in the U.K. for allegedly spying for Russia reflect a broader context of increased vigilance against espionage activities.

On the other hand, Bulgaria’s decisive action in banning these Russian nationals signals its commitment to safeguarding national security and upholding its obligations as a member of both the EU and NATO.

Source: Newsroom