A married couple accused of attempting military espionage on behalf of Russia have had their charges upgraded to conspiracy to commit espionage, the first time this charge has been laid in Australia since new laws were introduced in 2018.
Background of the Case
Kira Korolev, a 42-year-old Russian-born Australian Army private, and Igor Korolev, a 64-year-old self-employed labourer, were arrested in Brisbane in July 2024. They were initially charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offence.
Police allege Kira travelled to Russia without declaring it to authorities while on long-term leave from the defence force in 2023 and coached her husband to access her official work account. She is accused of guiding him on how to access specific information and send it to her personal email account while she was in Russia.
Upgraded Charges
On Monday, nearly two years after the initial arrest, the pair's charges were upgraded to one count each of conspiracy to commit espionage at Brisbane Magistrates Court. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
“Espionage remains one of the most significant national security threats to Australia, impacting government, businesses and the university sector,” said Assistant Commissioner Cyber and Special Investigations Sandra Booth. “The AFP – as a member of the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce – is committed to working with its partners within Australia and across the globe to defend and protect Australia and Australia’s future from security threats.”
Legal Proceedings
In April, a magistrate ruled that nearly 200 documents and a Department of Defence witness statement would be suppressed after they found national security outweighed the principle of open justice. The Korolevs remain in custody.
With AAP.
