site.btaUPDATED Deputy PM Gabriel Welcomes Fact that Bulgarian Authorities Are Aware of Case of Bulgarian Spy Suspects in UK from Its Outset

Commenting on the case of the three Bulgarians arrested in the UK for suspected espionage on behalf of Russia, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel told Nova TV that security is a common challenge with the UK. Gabriel said she welcomes the fact that the competent services and authorities in Bulgaria have been aware of the investigation from its outset.

On Tuesday, BBC reported that three Bulgarian nationals had been arrested and charged in the UK for suspected spying for Russia. The suspects were mentioned by name, and photos of them were provided. The three defendants were arrested in February and have been remanded in custody since then, the BBC said.

Commenting on the information that two of the detained Bulgarians were members of sectional electoral commissions abroad between 2015 and 2021, Gabriel called for calm and urged that conclusion are drawn when the investigation is completed.

Gabriel once again denied Alexey Petrov’s involvement in the forming of the government in power. Speaking about the potential dismissal of Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Petar Todorov, Gabriel said that Interior Ministry Kalin Stoyanov should prepare a very well-reasoned report about it. She said she expects President Rumen Radev to dismiss Todorov.

Commenting on the exchange of remarks between Radev and representatives of the government, Gabriel said she respects the presidential institution and that the dialogue with the Head of State is important.

In Gabriel's words, Bulgaria has come out of the international isolation it had been in for the past couple of years. The Deputy PM believes that the country is consolidating its Euro-Atlantic path. Gabriel pointed out that Bulgaria's great strength on the road to Schengen is the support of the European Commission.