Australian authorities have charged a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference related to allegations that he transmitted sensitive Ukrainian military information to individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services. The suspect was scheduled to appear in Brisbane court on Friday to face the charges, according to Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett.
Investigators allege the man traveled to Russia in October 2024 for training purposes and subsequently maintained contact with individuals he believed to be representatives of Moscow’s intelligence apparatus upon returning to Australia. He enlisted in the Ukrainian military in May 2025, where he gained access to classified information regarding military personnel, unit compositions, and strategic locations. According to police allegations, he then shared this sensitive information with the individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence, thereby endangering Ukrainian military personnel.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity, noting only that he is currently unemployed with no indication of having received military training within Australia. Search warrants have been executed as part of the investigation, with officials suggesting the possibility of additional arrests. The Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation jointly conducted the investigation. Barrett emphasized that the government aims to prevent Australia from becoming a base for foreign interference activities, while ASIO Deputy Director-General Claire McGuinness stated the country maintains zero tolerance for such conduct.
Russia’s embassy in Australia said it had not been formally notified of the case and was working through available channels to gather information. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported separate arrests of nine individuals allegedly working for Ukrainian intelligence services, with state media indicating eight suspects were found with explosive-equipped drones allegedly smuggled from the European Union and targeting a Moscow region defense facility. Additionally, an unidentified foreign national was detained near Norway’s border for allegedly attempting to operate a surveillance drone over Moscow to assist Ukrainian intelligence operations.
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