Authorities seize 12 devices in case of alleged Russian spies
By Cloe Read
Twelve devices have been seized by authorities in the case of an Australian soldier and her partner accused of accessing material on Defence computer systems to send to Russian operatives, a court has heard.
Russian-born Kira Korolev, 40, was charged this year in Brisbane alongside her labourer partner Igor Korolev, 63, with preparing to carry out an act of espionage, triggering concerns of foreign interference.
Igor (left) and Kira Korolev are charged with preparing to carry out an act of espionage.
It is alleged Ms Korolev, an information systems technician who held an Australia Defence Force security clearance, travelled to Russia undeclared while on long-term leave from the army in 2023, and while she was away, told her partner how to log into the Defence systems on her official work account from their Brisbane home.
The allegations raised concerns with authorities, and the Russian embassy in Canberra later accused Australian security chiefs of fuelling anti-Russian paranoia, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to tell Russia to “back off”.
The couple did not appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court for the mention of their case, where Commonwealth prosecutor Ellie McDonald told the court there was significant volume of material in the case.
“There is a significant volume of material in this matter. There were 12 devices seized,” she said, asking for the case to be adjourned.
Magistrate Peter Saggers ordered for a full brief of evidence to be completed by December 13.
After their arrests, it was revealed Ms Korolev had an active social media presence, and had posted regularly to her YouTube channel, with videos discussing Australian beaches, the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger, and documented several searches for gold.
She also shared photos of outback pubs, sightseeing around Canberra, and fishing trips.
The pair were remanded in custody, with the case scheduled to return to court in December.
Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.