Australian Federal Police arrested a married couple at their home in Brisbane yesterday morning after being accused of obtaining Australian Defence Force material to share with Russian authorities.
The two Russian-born Australian citizens, a 40-year-old woman, who is an ADF army private, and her 62-year-old husband, were arrested at their home in Everton Park.
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Spy chief Mike Burgess said “Multiple countries are seeking to steal Australia’s secrets,” and espionage could have “catastrophic” consequences.
Police allege the woman took undeclared travel to Russia while on long-term leave from the ADF. Police also allege instructed her husband on how to log into her work account and access material to send to her.
The married couple have been charged one count each of preparing for espionage, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.
It is the first time an espionage offence has been laid since foreign interference laws were introduced in 2018.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said espionage offences are not victimless. “It has the potential to impact on Australia’s sovereignty, safety and way of life,” Kershaw said.
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