Australian Couple First to be Charged Under New Espionage Laws

A Russian-born Australian couple, Kira and Igor Korolev, have been charged under Australia’s stringent espionage laws for allegedly attempting to send sensitive Australian Defence Force (ADF) information to Russian authorities. Kira, who worked for the ADF, reportedly accessed the information and instructed her husband to send it to her in Moscow. Both face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s boss, Mike Burgess, emphasized the severe consequences of espionage, warning against complacency. The case is currently being handled by the Brisbane Magistrates Court.