The Australian Federal Police announced Friday that an Army Private and her husband have been charged with preparing to commit espionage. The ADF private, Kira Korolev, and her husband, Igor Korolev, are both Russian-born and were arrested at their Brisbane home on Thursday. 

The AFP reports that the Korolevs frequently used Kira’s ADF work log-in to access sensitive information about “Australian national security interests.” She would guide her husband to access the information and then email it to her in Russia. Since 2023, Kira has frequently taken unreported trips back to Russia amidst her long service leave, with her husband accompanying her on some trips.

They have both been charged pursuant to s 91.12 of the Criminal Code, “Offence of preparing for an espionage offence,” with the arrest being the first charge under the offence. The law outlines that it is an “offence to engage in conduct” or intend to “engage via preparation or planning an offence against Subdivision A (espionage) or B (espionage on behalf of foreign principal).” The maximum penalty is 15 years imprisonment. 

No evidence has been published confirming that the information privately mailed was shared with any Russian authorities. However, an investigation is underway to determine the purposes of the initial emails about Australian national secrets and the reasoning behind the visits to Russia. More charges may be laid if evidence is discovered to confirm actual espionage.

ASIO commented that they “take … its responsibility as Australia’s spy catcher extremely seriously. If you are spying in this country, we are looking for you; if you are being spied on in this country, we are looking out for you.”