Australian Couple Charged with Spying for Russian Intelligence

Photo:VIA REUTERS

An Australian army private and her husband, accused of espionage on behalf of Russia, were denied bail on Friday. This marks the first charges against suspected operatives under Australia’s comprehensive espionage laws enacted in 2018.

Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor Korolev, 62, both Russian-born Australian citizens, face charges of preparing for an espionage offense. They were represented by lawyers in the Brisbane Magistrates Court and did not enter pleas. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September 20.

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Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw revealed that the couple allegedly collaborated to access sensitive Australian Defense Force material concerning national security. "We allege they sought that information with the intention of providing it to Russian authorities," Kershaw said. However, he added that no significant compromise had been identified.

Australia's Five Eyes intelligence partners — the United States, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand — were reassured of Australia's commitment to disrupting espionage activities. The Korolevs' case is the first under the new laws, but Australian security forces have previously disrupted alleged Russian spies, including expelling a spy ring last year.

Kira Korolev is an information systems technician in the Australian Defense Force, while Igor Korolev is a self-employed laborer. Police arrested them at their Brisbane home. They allegedly accessed and transmitted classified information while Kira was on extended leave and had secretly traveled to Russia.

Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, praised the Defense Force's security measures, which allowed early intervention. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed confidence in Australian security agencies, highlighting the recent contract extensions for Burgess and Kershaw as evidence of their effectiveness.

The charge against each defendant carries a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. If evidence shows the information was shared with Russia, charges could be upgraded, increasing potential sentences to 25 years or life. The Russian Embassy in Australia did not comment on the case.

In recent years, Australia has taken a strong stance against foreign interference, expelling a Russian spy ring and canceling a Russian embassy lease near Parliament House. This case is the first espionage charge under the 2018 laws, which also target covert foreign interference.

July 12, 2024 3:13 p.m. 633

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