Australia charges man over alleged Russian intelligence links

Australian police have charged a 27-year-old Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference for allegedly trying to inform Russia about Ukrainian military activities. The Australian Federal Police allege the man, who had received military-style training in Russia, later joined the Ukrainian armed forces.

"We don’t want Australia to become a safe haven for people who are undertaking foreign interference on behalf of other countries," Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated at a news conference. Police claim the man traveled to Russia for training in October 2024, then returned to Australia where he maintained contact with individuals he believed were linked to Russian intelligence.

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We don’t want Australia to become a safe haven for people who are undertaking foreign interference on behalf of other countries.

According to investigators, the man then traveled to Ukraine in 2025, enlisted in its armed forces, and gained access to information about military personnel, units, and locations. He is accused of providing, or attempting to provide, this information to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services. "It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel," Barrett said.

The charge of intentional foreign interference carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment in Australia. The investigation is ongoing.

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It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel.