Harrow people react as Bulgarians charged over Russian spy claims

Three Bulgarian nationals have been charged after a national security investigation into possible breaches of official secrets law.

Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, and Katrin Ivanova, 31, both with the same address in Harrow, and Orlin Roussev, 45, of Great Yarmouth, are accused of possession of false identity documents with "improper intention".

The three will appear before the Old Bailey at a date to be fixed accused of being in possession of 34 identity documents, some of which are suspected to be false.

A building in Harrow (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

The story of a 'Russian spy ring' made front page news in national papers, and when the Harrow Times visited the neighbourhood today, the topic was on the tip of everyone's tongue - partly because reporters from many outlets have been quizzing the public on what they know.

Simon Corsini, the owner of Gino’s Café in High Road, Harrow, said the two Harrow suspects “only came in a handful of times”, wearing scruffy clothing and keeping to themselves.

Simon Corsini, of Gino’s Cafe in Harrow (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

He joked how he felt he became “famous” after a flurry of media coverage and reporters coming into the café to speak with him.

The café worker said: “We don’t get any media attention – okay we’ve had some television crews record certain shows - but other than that nothing really.”

When the first person came in two days ago after taking pictures, he thought it was just a “weirdo”, before more journalists came.

He said the two did not stand out, adding: “You get all sorts of life here. I was 14 years of age when I first came to the area and it has changed. We get so much immigration – I’m of Italian descent – and everyone blends in.

“So when these guys [the spy suspects] came in, they didn’t look any different."

Recalling the times the two were served, he said: “They kept themselves to themselves, weren’t friendly, just did their order, sat down and disappeared.

“I’ve been here for 25 years, we’ve become very popular and people come down just to see us. But these guys would just get something to eat and go back to their room.

“Of course it’s weird, it’s right in the outskirts. Harrow is very diverse now – so if you’re a Bulgarian national and you come to Harrow you’ll just fit in and no one is going to blink an eyelid when they see you.”

He called talk of spies more of a “government worry” and said hearing the news of three youths stabbed in Harrow, as a father of three himself, worries him more.

Mr Corsini mentioned that he had “no idea” about why police were even in the area until the first article came out this week.

He said: “We had police across the road, they were scoping the area and came in for breakfast.

“They wouldn’t disclose what was going on and said they’d only be here for a week but were there for two. And then they went away and all this breaks out.”

Charlie Townsend, 85, was dining at his monthly meet-up spot at the Parklife Café, High Street, as a large group discussed the matter.

Parklife Cafe in Harrow (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

The North Harrow man said: “It’s in the Telegraph, I saw a picture of this building and I thought 'I recognise that' and didn’t realise it was right here.

“It’s unbelievable. I know many, many years ago there were Russian spies in Ruislip.”

One shopkeeper at an off licence mentioned that it was a “media frenzy”, with many journalists coming in asking if he wants to speak.

The Metropolitan Police said five people were arrested by counter-terrorism detectives in February this year on suspicion of an offence under the Official Secrets Act.

All five have been released on bail until September while the investigation continues.

All three defendants last appeared at the Old Bailey on July 31. A hearing for Ivanova was held at the Old Bailey on Tuesday (August 15).

They have yet to enter pleas to the charges and are remanded in custody.

A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spokesperson said: “The CPS has authorised charges against Orlin Roussev, Biser Maicimov Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova with possession of an identity document with improper intention, contrary to the Identity Documents Act.

“Criminal proceedings are active and they have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”