SYDNEY: Australian police stated on Friday (Aug 21) a person has been charged with overseas interference for allegedly searching for to tell Russia about Ukrainian army actions.
The 27-year-old Russian-Australian citizen had “military-style” coaching in Russia and later joined the Ukrainian armed forces, Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett advised a information convention.
“We do not need Australia to turn into a protected haven for people who find themselves enterprise overseas interference on behalf of different international locations,” she stated.
Police alleged he travelled to Russia for the coaching in October 2024.
He then returned to Australia, they are saying, the place he “maintained contact” with people he believed have been linked to Russian intelligence.
He travelled to Ukraine in 2025, police allege, the place he enlisted within the nation’s armed forces and “gained entry to info referring to their army personnel, models and places”.
He then “supplied, or tried to supply, info obtained in Ukraine to people he believed have been performing on behalf of Russian intelligence companies,” Barrett stated.
“It’s alleged this conduct created a threat to the security and safety of Ukrainian army personnel.”
The crime of intentional overseas interference carries a penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment in Australia.
