Kira and Igor Korolev: First Charges Under New Espionage Laws

Jul 12, 2024, 02:09 AM

Two Russian-born Australian citizens, Kira and Igor Korolev, have been arrested and charged with espionage. The couple, who have lived in Queensland, Australia for over 10 years and obtained citizenship, allegedly sought to obtain Australian Defence Force (ADF) material to share with Russian authorities. Kira Korolev, an information systems technician in the Australian Army, is accused of accessing sensitive defense documents and instructing her husband to assist in the espionage activities from their Brisbane home. She allegedly took non-declared travel to Russia. The charges mark the first under Australia's updated espionage laws. The investigation was a joint effort by the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). AFP Chief Kershaw noted that the involvement of Russian diplomats is also being investigated. The case is being heard in Brisbane Magistrates Court.