In short:
Australia’s domestic spy agency was the first to investigate concerns about Brisbane couple Kira and Igor Korolev.
The Russian-born Australian citizens are now facing first-of-their-kind espionage charges.
What’s next:
Authorities are continuing to investigate what information Russia might have received.
Australia’s domestic spy agency ASIO was the first to investigate concerns that Russian-born Australian citizen Kira Korolev might be up to more than she was letting on.
Ms Korolev and her husband Igor arrived in Australia more than a decade ago, and by 2015 she was making no secret of her desire to join the army.
Today, the now suspended member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), is accused of spying for Russia and facing a lengthy jail sentence if found guilty.
Along with her husband, the Korolevs are detained in custody, having become the first people to face espionage offences that were introduced in 2018.
Publicly, authorities insist theirs is a case of Australia’s intelligence agencies successfully identifying alleged spies. But privately, the case is prompting reflections on whether military recruitment changes are needed, specifically the vetting procedures.
The ABC has confirmed investigations into the Korolevs began with ASIO.
The investigation was then moved to a foreign interference task force, which comprised ASIO, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and other Commonwealth agencies, called Operation BURGAZADA.
Sources have told the ABC that the couple were watched for an undisclosed period of time and it was ultimately referred to the AFP to build a case that would meet evidentiary standards for a prosecution.
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Authorities allege Ms Korolev, while on long-term leave from her role as an information systems technician, took undeclared trips to Russia, some alone, others with her husband.
On the trips that she went alone, the AFP alleges Ms Korolev instructed Mr Korolev on how to access her official work account, guiding him to access specific information to send to her via a private email.
The AFP alleges the information the couple sought to gain related to Australia’s national security interests, with the intent of providing it to Russian authorities.
Operation BURGAZADA is now seeking to determine what was provided to Russia and what the Korolevs’ conduct was when abroad.
Those same authorities have insisted to the ABC that they became aware of the Korolevs in the early stages of their alleged actions and closely monitored the duo. They’ve said they are investigating if the couple had any links to Russian intelligence agencies prior to shifting to Australia.
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The Korolevs appeared separately in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday. Neither applied for bail and both remain remanded in custody. Their matters have been adjourned until September 20.
Mr Korolev’s charge sheet alleged that he had “maintained a relationship with members or affiliates of Russian Federation intelligence services” for the purpose of sharing information.
Defence has suspended Ms Korolev from service and cancelled her access to bases and IT systems.
Accused spy was hiding in plain sight
Prior to their arrest, Ms Korolev was something of a would-be social media influencer.
A prolific YouTube poster, she is seen in a 2020 video speaking Russian to a camera in a largely empty, cavernous marble foyer at the entrance to Canberra’s Parliament House.
She later stands on the grass-covered parliament roof and gazes up the double-decker-sized Australian flag flying overhead.
Years before her trip to Canberra, the Russian-born Australian citizen posted on a Facebook page expressing an interest in joining the army in 2015.
“I have my bachelor degree and masters degree in a bit different areas and work experience from other field either. I am not sure what exact role I could perform in the army based on my education and experience but very interest in joining,” she wrote.
Nine years later, police would arrive at the army private’s home in Brisbane, arresting the 40-year-old and her husband days before his 63rd birthday.
Questions arise about Australia’s defence recruitment
The ADF has long faced issues recruiting and retaining personnel.
Appearing at Senate estimates in February, then ADF chief General Angus Campbell conceded force levels were lacking thousands of people.
“Defence is addressing retention and recruitment as a priority,” he said.
“As at 1 January 2024, the ADF is 6.9 per cent, or 4,308 people, below its authorised strength.”
In a bid to boost recruitment, the government last month announced it would allow foreign citizens with permanent residency in Australia to be able to serve in the nation’s armed forces, provided they pass security checks.
This month, New Zealanders became the first people able to join. From January, the eligibility will expand to include citizens from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
The government initially suggested all countries would be eligible from January but has since clarified it has no immediate plans beyond the so-called Five Eyes countries.
To join the military, applicants undergo national criminal checks and psychological screening.
In recent years, the ADF has strengthened its vetting processes, amid fears nationalists and extremists might seek to join.
Defence officials confirmed to the Guardian in 2021 that its updated vetting processes would improve information sharing between ASIO and Defence to ensure would-be personnel were fit to serve.
Sources the ABC has spoken with haven’t suggested the allegations facing Ms Korolev will prompt any overhauls of recruitment processes but authorities will be checking to see if any tweaks are needed.
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite told the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing that checking backgrounds was “pretty crucial” to ADF recruitment.
“They’re very, very thorough background checks,” he said.