An Australian army private and her husband, both Australian citizens with Russian passports, are facing charges of espionage under Australia’s espionage laws introduced in 2018. They are set to appear in court in Brisbane. The couple is accused of working together to access Australian Defense Force information related to national security interests with the intention of providing it to Russian authorities.
This is the first case of suspected espionage operatives being charged under the updated laws that prohibit covert foreign interference in Australian politics. Authorities have previously exposed and expelled a significant Russian spy ring, consisting of embassy staff and operatives with false identities.
The suspects, a 42-year-old woman, an Australian Defense Force technician, and her 62-year-old husband, a self-employed laborer, were arrested in their Brisbane home. The woman became an Australian citizen in 2016 and her husband in 2020. The woman allegedly traveled to Russia secretly in 2023 while on leave from the military, and her husband is accused of sending classified information to her from their home.
If convicted, each suspect could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of increased charges and sentences up to 25 years or life if evidence confirms information sharing with Russia. The Russian Embassy in Australia has not responded to the allegations.
Australian security officials have warned foreign spies that they will support prosecutions when possible. Last year, a diplomatic spat arose when Australia canceled a lease agreement for a new Russian embassy site, citing security concerns close to Parliament House.
