Australian Defence Force Private and Husband Charged with Espionage for Russia
12-July-24
Two Russian-born Australian citizens have been arrested and charged in the country for spying on behalf of Russia as part of a “complex” law enforcement operation codenamed BURGAZADA.This includes a 40-year-old woman, an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Army Private, and her husband, a 62-year-old self-employed laborer. Media reports have identified them as Kira Korolev and Igor Korolev, respectively, noting that they had been in Australia for over a decade.The married couple were arrested at their home in the Brisbane suburb of Everton Park on July 11, 2024, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement. They have been charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
