London House Hosts Russian Intelligence Operations and a Network of Romanian Propagandists

A modest house in London is reportedly the hub of Russian intelligence operations in Europe and hosts a network of Romanian propagandists linked to Călin Georgescu and the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, according to an investigation published Friday by Intelligence Online. The investigation, conducted by Intelligence Online and Romanian investigative site Snoop.ro, unfolded over several episodes during Romania’s presidential elections, which were subsequently canceled. The latest episode appeared in the British publication on December 20.

The London Hub and Bunelu LTD

The journalists identified a house in London as the registered address of several companies allegedly tied to Russian intelligence operations. One of these companies, Bunelu LTD, is described as a marketing firm with “strong Russian connections” linked to supporters of Călin Georgescu.

Bunelu LTD was founded in 2019 by Moldovan citizen Ion Bulgacov, who has faced legal issues in Romania and is currently appealing a 10-year prison sentence for fraud. The company also established a Romanian subsidiary involving members of the organization Tracia Unită, including Mihai Rotariu, Sacha Stone, and Bruno Mihăilescu.

Tracia Unită: A Pro-Russian Organization

Rotariu, the founder of Tracia Unită, is a businessman with ties to 20 politically linked companies in Romania. Between 1992 and 1997, he partnered with the brother of a former Romanian intelligence chief, Ion Talpeș. Tracia Unită, which promotes conspiracy theories and pro-Russian narratives, includes members who have been seen at the Russian Embassy, supported Georgescu, and appeared on the SOS Party’s parliamentary candidate lists.

One member, Bruno Mihăilescu, has threatened journalists investigating the organization. Victor Ilie of Snoop.ro received threats, prompting a police investigation.

Business Ties and Propaganda

Journalists allege that Mihăilescu manages companies linked to Romanița Ileana Popescu, who has connections to Adrian Năstase’s NGO Casa Nato. These business relationships reportedly extend to the Russian Embassy.

Another prominent figure in Tracia Unită is British influencer Sacha Stone, known for his millions of followers and conspiracy theories. Romanian journalist Mugurel Calistrat Atudorei, another member, has conducted interviews with former Russian ambassador Valery Kuzmin and promoted anti-Western Kremlin ideologies.

AdNow and Disinformation Operations

While investigating Bunelu LTD, journalists uncovered links to another disinformation campaign financed by Moscow. Over the last eight years, AdNow, a digital advertising company with Kremlin ties, funneled at least €2 million into Romanian far-right content, conspiracy theories, and pro-Georgescu narratives.

AdNow operates from the same London address as Bunelu LTD, a GRU-linked hacking firm, and other entities with ties to Moscow. This coordinated disinformation effort underscores the pervasive influence of Russian propaganda in Europe.