Vanya Gaberova, 30, a beautician from North London told jurors that she knew nothing of the activities undertaken by Biser Dzhambazov’s,43, spy activities.

The Old Bailey heard in court that Dzambazov, from Harrow, was secretly working for Russia when he met Gaberova in London.

“Even when I was arrested, I did not believe something is wrong.”

Defence barrister Anthony Metzer KC asked if she had any doubt that about the authenticity of the spies Interpol badge and identity card were “anything other than genuine”.

Gaberova replied she did think they were genuine: “Even when I was arrested, I did not believe something is wrong.”

Dzhambazov, has admitted conspiring with Orlin Roussey, 46, to carry out spy operations for three years on people and places of interest to the Russian State.

“He made me believe this person is a bad person.”

One target was an investigative journalist, Christo Grozev, who had previously uncovered Russian links.

Jurors heard Gaberova say she believed this journalist was a bad person, as told by Dzhambazov claiming to be a police officer.

Gaberova said, while in Vienna: “He [Dzhambazov] showed me where the suspect lived. He made me believe this person is a bad person.”

However she said she did not find this strange, when asked by the Defence barrister.

Gaberova, her ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, and Dzhambazov’s partner Katrin Ivanova, 33, have denied involvement in the plot.

This is a developing story, we will bring you more details as they come. Please refresh the page to update.

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