Australian authorities have charged a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference, alleging he attempted to provide Ukrainian military information to individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence.
The Australian Federal Police said the man allegedly obtained the information after joining the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025 and subsequently attempted to share it with suspected Russian intelligence-linked contacts. He is due to appear in court in Brisbane on Friday.
Authorities allege the man travelled to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training before returning to Australia in December and later joining Ukrainian forces.
Investigation Ongoing as Authorities Assess Security Implications
The foreign-interference charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Australian authorities said there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to Australia, while the investigation continues.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett described foreign interference as a serious crime with broader consequences for Australia’s national security.
The case is part of a wider Australian crackdown on espionage and foreign interference. Authorities said an Australian task force has charged eight people with espionage or foreign-interference offences since 2020.
Russia’s embassy in Canberra had not immediately commented on the allegations, while the accused man could not be reached for comment.