Drones and Shady Deals: The Alleged Chat Between Marsalek and a Russian Spy Concerning Weapons for Russia
Marsalek discussed weapons transactions intended for Russia with Spy, referring to the negotiations.
In the UK, a Russian spy ring is on trial, a fugitive former Wirecard board member, Jan Marsalek, is said to have been in contact with this network. Court records suggest that the conversations between Marsalek and Orlin Roussev, the head of the UK-based spy ring, revolved around procuring drones for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, dealing with blood diamonds, and providing mercenaries in Africa. It's also alleged that discussions included arranging wheat supplies to Cameroon, with the possibility of procuring weapons as well.
Marsalek is reported to have said, "We can organize almost anything they need, except nuclear weapons... even nuclear weapons if they pay," when discussing the wheat supplies.
Politics and Spying - Sentencing is underway at the Central Criminal Court against the members of the spy ring who did not work directly for the Russian intelligence service but were financially motivated. Six Bulgarians face up to 14 years in prison for spying for Russia. It's alleged that they were ordered by Marsalek to spy on Ukrainian soldiers during their training in Germany. Roussev and his deputy, Biser Dzhambazov, pleaded guilty last year. The Russian embassy in London has not commented on the case.
Marsalek and Roussev often mentioned the Russian military intelligence service GRU and other security services in their messages. Marsalek reportedly informed Roussev that he had met with "GRU people" and would be introduced to the "drone procurement guru" to discuss requirements. Roussev also praised Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system, stating, "Everything is allowed there... from Russia... and Iran." Marsalek responded enthusiastically, "Musk is super cool."
Context: Marsalek was a leading figure at financial services provider, Wirecard, which collapsed in 2020. The Munich public prosecutor's office is investigating him for fraud and has issued an international arrest warrant. He is also suspected of spying for Russia. His whereabouts are unknown following Wirecard's collapse, with reports suggesting he may have been in Russia.
Sources: ntv.de, jpe/rts
- Wirecard
- Espionage
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Trials
- Intelligence Services
- Attack on Ukraine
Additional Information: According to available data, Jan Marsalek, an Austrian fugitive, is associated with Russian intelligence services and was involved in guiding the Bulgarian spy ring, known as the "Minions," which operated from the UK [1][2]. The group was involved in various espionage activities, including plotting kidnappings and disinformation campaigns; however, there is no specific mention of drone procurement for the Ukraine conflict in the provided information [2][4]. More detailed information on the involvement of Marsalek or the Bulgarian spy ring in drone procurement would require additional sources or further investigation.
- The alleged conversations between Jan Marsalek and Orlin Roussev, the head of a UK-based spy ring, reportedly included discussion about procuring drones for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as other illicit activities.
- Despite the ongoing trial of the spy ring in the UK, the Russian embassy in London has not commented on the case, which involves the fugitive former Wirecard board member, Jan Marsalek, and alleged espionage for Russia.
- In the context of the trial, Marsalek and Roussev are alleged to have mentioned the Russian military intelligence service GRU and other security services in their messages and discussed meeting with individuals regarding drone procurement.
- Marsalek, who was a leading figure at Wirecard before the company collapsed in 2020, is also suspected of spying for Russia by the Munich public prosecutor's office and has an international arrest warrant out for him.
- The trial of the Bulgarian spy ring in the UK highlights the complexities of crime-and-justice, general-news, and politics, as the group is accused of spying on Ukrainian soldiers during their training in Germany, among other allegations.
