By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Arrest and Charges
An Australian soldier and her husband have been arrested and charged with spying for Russia. The couple, both Russian born Australian citizens, allegedly obtained Australian Defence Force (ADF) materials to share with Moscow.
Kira Korolev, a 40 year old army private, and her 62 year old husband Igor Korolev were charged with preparing for an espionage offence.
Each faces a maximum 15 year jail sentence.
Investigation and Security Measures
Australian police have not identified a "significant compromise" of military secrets. This case marks the first use of Australia's stricter foreign interference laws, introduced in 2018, to lay espionage charges.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received extensive briefings from security agencies but refrained from commenting due to ongoing court proceedings.
The investigation is still underway to determine if any sensitive material was delivered to Russian authorities.
Espionage Details
Kira Korolev, an information systems technician in the army with a security clearance, allegedly traveled to Russia while on leave. She reportedly instructed her husband Igor to access her work account and send sensitive material, which she intended to forward to Russian authorities.
Both the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw and Australia's spy agency head Mike Burgess addressed the media but declined to reveal specifics about the documents or the tip off.
The couple had been in Australia for over a decade and became citizens several years ago.
National Security and Responses
AFP Commissioner Kershaw emphasized that Australia is actively working to identify and disrupt espionage activities. Australia's spy agency boss Mike Burgess highlighted the ongoing threat of espionage from multiple countries.
Burgess warned against complacency and reassured that espionage threats are taken seriously.
The ADF acknowledged the arrest of one of its members and reiterated its commitment to addressing security breaches.
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