Security News > 2024 > July > Australian Defence Force Private and Husband Charged with Espionage for Russia

Two Russian-born Australian citizens have been arrested and charged in the country for spying on behalf of Russia as part of a "Complex" law enforcement operation codenamed BURGAZADA. This includes a 40-year-old woman, an Australian Defence Force Army Private, and her husband, a 62-year-old self-employed laborer.

They have been charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.

The federal law enforcement agency has alleged the pair colluded together to obtain sensitive information after the woman traveled to Russia while on a long-term leave from the ADF since 2023.

The arrests mark the third time individuals have been charged with espionage or foreign interference related offenses since their incorporation into the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Last April, a New South Wales man, 55, was charged with providing information about "Australian defense, economic and national security arrangements" to two individuals associated with a foreign intelligence service who are suspected to be undertaking intelligence gathering activities.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security in charge of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, said the ongoing threat of espionage is "Real," and that "Multiple countries are seeking to steal Australia's secrets."

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