Russian spy couple arrested by Australian police

An Australian soldier, and her husband accused of spying for Moscow have been arrested by police in Australia. The Russian-born couple had their cases heard in court today and have been denied bail according to the enacted Australian espionage laws of 2018.

Kira Korolev, 40, and her 62 years old husband Igor Korolev, are Australian citizens who still hold Russian passports. They moved to Australia over a decade ago. Kira gained citizenship in 2016 while working as an Australian Defense Force Systems Technician stationed at the Enoggera army barracksand Igor became a citizen in 2020 while working as a self-employed labourer.

They were arrested at their Brisbane home yesterday and were represented by their lawyers at the Brisbane Magistrates court as they prepare to defend the accusation of espionage offense. Kira who had travelled to Russia on an extended leave from the Australian military in 2023 gave her husband unlawful access to her computer so he could send her classified information which they planned to hand over to Russian authorities.

The Australia Federal Police (AFP) commander Reece Kershaw alleges that the couple worked together to obtain Australian defence force material which is related to Australian national security interest. “whether that information was handed over remains the key focus of our investigation.” Kershaw said while addressing the public in regard to the charges made by police against Kira and Igor.

The couple are the first foreigners to be tried under the new Australian espionage laws which bans foreign interference in domestic politics. If found guilty on the attempted espionage charges, the couple will face up to 15 years in prison and 25 years if there is evidence to prove that the information was handed over to Russian authorities.