Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, will be charged with conspiring to collect information intended to be useful to an enemy, the CPS said in a statement.

The alleged offences occurred between 30 August 2020 and 8 February 2023.

Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "The CPS has authorised a charge of conspiracy to conduct espionage against three men and two women suspected of spying for Russia.

"Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were previously charged on 11 February 2023 with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010."

Mr Price added: "The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

"Criminal proceedings against the five individuals are active and they each 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.

"The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider."

The five defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 26 September.

Roussev is from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, Dzhambazov and Ivanova are from Harrow in northwest London, Stoyanov is from Greenford, west London, and Gaberova is from Churchway, northwest London.