Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Russian-Australian Charged Over Alleged Ukraine Military Espionage
Australian police have charged a 27-year-old man with a serious foreign-interference offence.
He is both Russian and Australian.
Police allege he tried to pass Ukrainian military information to people he thought were connected to Russian intelligence.
They say he travelled to Russia for military-style training in October 2024.
He returned to Australia in December 2024.
Police allege he later joined the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025.
The man is due in court in Brisbane.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison, but the allegations have not yet been proven.
The Australian Federal Police charged a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference.
Authorities allege he tried to give Ukrainian military information to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence.
Investigators say he travelled to Russia for military-style training in October 2024 and returned to Australia in December.
He allegedly joined the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025 and shared information obtained there.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; authorities said there is no indication of a current threat to Australia.
- Who
- The Australian Federal Police charged a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen.
- What
- He is accused of attempting to provide Ukrainian military information to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence.
- When
- The alleged conduct followed travel to Russia in October 2024, a return to Australia in December 2024, and joining the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025; he was due in court on Friday, August 21.
- Where
- The case is being heard in Brisbane, Australia, and the alleged information came from his time with the Ukrainian armed forces.
- Why
- Authorities allege he sought to share military information with people connected to Russian intelligence.
- Accused
- A 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen
- Charge
- Foreign interference
- Maximum penalty
- Up to 20 years’ imprisonment
- Court location
- Brisbane, Australia
- Alleged Russia travel
- October 2024 for military-style training
- Alleged Ukrainian military service
- Joined in May 2025
- Investigation status
- Ongoing; authorities said there is no indication of a current threat to Australia
- Broader enforcement figure
- An Australian task force has charged eight people with espionage or foreign-interference offences since 2020