Dual Russian-Australian Citizen Charged Over Alleged Foreign Interference
A 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen has been charged with attempting to engage in foreign interference after allegedly seeking to provide information about Ukrainian military activities to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services.
The man, who is a Victorian resident, was arrested in Sumner, Queensland, on Thursday following an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) through the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force (CFITF).
He is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday facing one charge of attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Authorities allege the man travelled to Russia in October 2024, where he undertook military-style training. After returning to Australia, he allegedly remained in contact with people he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services.
Investigators further allege that he travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces and obtained information relating to military personnel, units and locations.
The AFP alleges he later provided, or attempted to provide, that information to people he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.
Several search warrants were executed at properties in Queensland, with electronic devices and other items seized for forensic examination.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the case marked the first time the CFITF had charged a Russian-linked individual with attempting to engage in foreign interference under Australia’s foreign-interference laws introduced in 2018.
“Foreign interference is an insidious crime,” Commissioner Barrett said, warning that such activities can leave Australia vulnerable to broader security threats.
ASIO Deputy Director-General Claire McGuinness described the matter as extremely serious and said Australian agencies would continue working with partners to detect and counter foreign interference.
Authorities said there is currently no indication that the alleged conduct posed a threat to Australia’s security. However, the investigation remains ongoing.
The CFITF brings together intelligence, law-enforcement and other government agencies to identify and respond to foreign interference targeting Australia’s sovereignty, national interests and democratic institutions.
The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Source: AFP
