Two Russian-born Australian citizens, Kira Korolev and Igor Korolev, have been accused of espionage after allegedly obtaining Australian Defence Force (ADF) materials to share with Russian authorities.
The Australian Federal Police arrested Kira Korolev, 40, an ADF army private, and her husband Igor Korolev, 62, at their home in Everton Park, Brisbane, on the morning of [insert date].
The couple is facing one charge each of preparing for an espionage offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. This is the first espionage charge since the introduction of foreign interference laws in 2018.
The couple appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court, where police allege Kira Korolev traveled to Russia while on long-term leave from the ADF and instructed her husband on how to access sensitive work materials from her account. The authorities claim the couple intended to share these materials with Russian authorities, though the investigation is still ongoing to determine if the information was indeed sent.
The charge sheet for Igor Korolev alleges he maintained contact with individuals linked to Russian intelligence services for the purpose of disseminating classified information.
Authorities are also investigating how Kira Korolev, who held a security clearance, managed to travel to Russia. Neither Korolev applied for bail, and their cases have been adjourned until September 20.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been briefed on the matter by Australia’s security agencies but refrained from commenting further, stating that the agencies are doing their jobs effectively.
