Australian Couple Charged for Espionage: Alleged Military Information Leak to Russia

Two Russian-born Australian citizens, who have been married and living in Australia for over 10 years, have been charged with preparing for an espionage offense. They were arrested at their home in Everton Park, Brisbane.

Details of the Case

The woman, 40, was an army private working as an information systems technician with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for several years. She became an Australian citizen in 2016. Her husband, 62, a self-employed laborer, obtained Australian citizenship in 2020.

According to Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw, the couple allegedly accessed ADF material related to Australia’s national security interests. The woman reportedly traveled to Russia without notifying Australian authorities and instructed her husband to log into her official work account to send requested material to her in Russia.

Legal Proceedings

The couple appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody to next appear in court on September 20. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on whether the information was handed over to Russian authorities and how the woman obtained security clearance.

Significance

This is the first time an espionage offense has been used since new laws were introduced in 2018. The charge of preparing for an espionage offense carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, while an upgraded charge could lead to 25 years to life in prison.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess emphasized the strength of Australia’s national security culture, stating, “The espionage threat is real. Multiple countries are seeking to steal Australia’s secrets. We cannot be naive and we cannot be complacent.”