Couple accused of spying for Russia have apartment, bank accounts seized

Federal police have seized the home and assets of two Russian-born Australian citizens accused of spying for Moscow.

Brisbane couple Kira Korolev, 40, an Australian Army private, and her 62-year-old labourer husband, Igor Korolev, were each charged with an espionage-related offence on July 11.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.

The home and bank accounts of Kira (left) and Igor Korolev have been seized by Australian Federal Police.

The AFP alleged the pair accessed sensitive Australian Defence Force information with the intent to provide it to Russian authorities.

On Tuesday, the couple’s apartment in Everton Park, multiple bank accounts, and the superannuation funds acquired during Ms Korolev’s time with the ADF were among the assets restrained by the AFP-led criminal assets confiscation taskforce.

“The AFP has a two-pronged strategy for combating illegal activity – investigation and criminal prosecutions, and also confiscating wealth from people who try to operate outside of the law,” acting Commander Amelia McDonald said.

The couple arrived in Australia more than a decade ago. Ms Korolev gained Australian citizenship in 2016, followed by her husband in 2020.

Ms Korolev was employed by the army for years as an information systems technician and held a security clearance.

Following the couple’s hearing in July, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the agencies were investigating whether Ms Korolev had joined the ADF with the intention of committing espionage.

They were also investigating whether the couple had arrived in Australia on a specific mission, or if they had more recently been recruited by Russian intelligence.

Court documents alleged the couple maintained a relationship with members or affiliates of Russian intelligence services for the purpose of providing the information.

The espionage charges are the first under legislation introduced in 2018.

The proceeds of crime proceedings and the criminal case both remain before the courts.