Ringleader jailed for 'largest and most complex' spy group on UK soil
Orlin Roussev ran the spy ring alongside his five 'Minions' - a nickname they used as an inside joke referencing Despicable Me.
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BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
More mystery 'Minions' appear painted under Burnley bridge
More mystery "Minions" have appeared painted by an unknown artist under a motorway bridge, to the delight of initial set of the yellow cartoon creations - featured in the Despicable Me movies - appeared last month under the Leeds Liverpool canal just past Rosegrove, close to Hapton in Burnley, Lancashire.A further nine have now emerged on the bridge stanchions with the identity of the artist, who locals have dubbed "the Burnley Banksy", yet to come Simpson, who lives nearby, said the striking artwork "brings a smile to my face" and he hopes the Minions stay. However, National Highways said the designs could impede inspections of the structures. Mr Simpson said he often cycles past the structures and thinks they are fantastic. "They brighten up an otherwise dull bit of concrete," he said."It is a lot better than your average destructive graffiti. There's a bit of art to it and kids will enjoy it."He said the Minions have been discussed on social media and "nobody has a bad word to say about them".The 63-year-old added: "It's good for the local area. Let's hope they stay." Julie Robinson and Pete Storozuk are also impressed."They're really good," Ms Robinson said."We come past quite a lot and one day they weren't there and the the next day they were. It's so amazing." The 69-year-old said the mysterious artist was talented and should come forward while Mr Storozuk said: "It brightens up the place."He said the artist was a "quick worker" although it was a "shame it wasn't [the real] Banksy". Eric and Lindsey Kerr often walk their dogs past the bridge and agreed the art was "brilliant". Mrs Kerr, 61, said: "They make people smile. They're a great idea. We love them."Mr Kerr, 64, added: "It's better than just looking at just concrete."However, National Highways was not as fast to compliment the a statement, it said: "While this kind of graffiti might seem entertaining, it does impede our ability to fully inspect the structures for any maintenance issues."Removing the paint will also cost time and money - resources which would otherwise be spent on improving drivers' motorway journeys." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- BBC News
Mystery as 'Minions' painted under Burnley motorway bridge
An unknown artist who painted motorway stanchions to look like Disney's "Minions" has been described as an "absolute legend".The yellow cartoon creations - featureed in the Despicable Me movies - appeared over the weekend under the bridge over the Leeds Liverpool canal just past Rosegrove, close to Hapton in Burnley, Nicola Leverton posted photographs of them on Facebook, adding: "Whoever did this deserves recognition - endless smiles made all round."Others agreed the "fantastic idea" looks "brilliant" and "better than seeing concrete" in the post which has been liked over 430 times. Locals have jokingly dubbed the artist the "Burnley Banksy" but so far his identity remains a BBC has approached the council and Highways England for a comment. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Russia spy warning over claims Putin's agents are 'disguised as lost tourists'
Vladimir Putin's Russian spies are posing as lost tourists as a spy agency warned citizens to keep an eye out for Kremlin agents lurking in their own neighbourhoods A spy agency has said Vladimir Putin's spooks are appearing as lost tourists. A report by the Latvian State Security Service (MIDD) said Russian intelligence operatives disguised as civilians is an increasing concern for authorities. The report also said Kremlin spies are the biggest threat to Latvia's national security, as it warned of spooks appearing in untidy clothing such as sportswear or mismatched military clothing. People should be wary of suspicious individuals appearing to be lost and asking locals strange questions, the MIDD said. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," the report urged residents. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' Not all operatives appear the same and citizens should consider the context when coming across someone they may suspect. They are most likely to loiter close to critical infrastructure or even near military sites. The spies are 'highly adaptive', the report says, basing some of its assessment on 'experience from Ukraine '. Operatives could be there to try and destabilise society or even target individuals for assassination. Similar concerns have been raised by Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO). It said there had been sabotage operations linked to operatives the GRU, one of Russia's intelligence agencies. Earlier this week, six Bulgarians were jailed after being convicted of spying for Russia on an industrial scale. Ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, who led the spy ring from a rundown guesthouse on the east coast of England, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months on Monday. He had admitted his role along with his second-in-command, Biser Dzhambazov, 44, who was jailed for 10 years and two months and Ivan Stoyanov, 33, who was handed five years and three weeks in prison. Female 'honeytrap' agents Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Vanya Gaberova, 30, and competitive swimmer Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey in March of activities which police have said put lives and national security at risk. Mr Justice Hilliard jailed Ivanova, of Harrow, north-west London, for nine years and eight months, saying she had 'thrown in' her lot with her partner Dzhambazov and become an 'enthusiastic' participant. Gaberova, of Euston, north London, was jailed for six years, eight months and three weeks, having found spying for Russia to be 'exciting and glamorous', the judge said. Her ex-boyfriend Ivanchev, of Acton, west London, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
