Australian Federal Police Charge Vladimir Teslov With Foreign Interference Over Ukraine Military Intel

Australian Federal Police charge Russian Australian man with foreign interference offence In short: The AFP has charged a 27-year-old Russian Australian man with attempting to engage in foreign interference. Investigators allege he travelled to Russia for "military-style training" before infiltrating the Ukrainian forces to collect operational information. What's next? A number of electronic devices will undergo extensive forensic examinations as part of the investigation, with the matter now before the courts. A Russian Australian man has been charged with foreign interference after he allegedly travelled to Ukraine to collect information about Ukrainian military operations, with the intention to cipher that information back to Russia. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have revealed the allegations after charging the dual citizen overnight. The 27-year-old was arrested yesterday in Sumner, in Brisbane's west, but the AFP said he was a "Victorian resident". The man was identified in court as Vladimir Teslov. He has been charged with attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference and had his matter heard in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, where it was adjourned until October 2. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators would allege that Mr Teslov travelled to Russia in October 2024, where he undertook military-style training before returning to Australia. The AFP alleges that Mr Teslov travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, where he joined Ukrainian Armed Forces to gain access to information relating to their military personnel, units and locations. He then allegedly attempted to provide the information to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence. "It is alleged that this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel," Commissioner Barrett said. "We allege elements of this offending occurred in Australia and offshore." She also said there was "nothing to suggest there was or is any threat to Australia". The foreign interference charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail. The commissioner provided little information about Mr Teslov but said he was "unemployed" and had not worked for the Australian government or held any sort of security clearance. She also said police had seized "a number of electronic devices and various items relevant to the investigation" which she said would undergo "extensive forensic examinations." It's not clear if Mr Teslov was working with any other associates in Australia, and the commissioner said there was "a possibility that there could be further arrests". "We've got a long way to go and, as I keep saying, these are very complex investigations," she told journalists. She also said it was appropriate to charge Mr Teslov with foreign interference, even though his primary target appears to be Ukraine rather than Australia. "We don't want Australia to become a safe haven for people who are undertaking foreign interference on behalf of other countries," she said. Loading..."So this sends a strong message that the counter-foreign interference task force, led by the AFP and ASIO, has all of the skills and capabilities to be able to identify, disrupt and take prosecution action when we see that there are individuals in our country who are undertaking foreign interference acts on behalf of other countries." In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Canberra told the ABC it only "became aware of the situation through media reports". "At this stage, no official requests or notifications have been received by the Embassy or the Consulate General in Sydney, either from the Australian authorities or from the individual concerned," it said. "We are currently using the available channels and resources to establish the circumstances of the case." Russian foreign interference in Australia It is not the first time that police have accused Russia of orchestrating foreign interference in Australia. Australia has been one of Ukraine's most prominent supporters after Russia's invasion and has funnelled about $1.8 billion to the country in military, economic and humanitarian support over the past four years. That seems to have coincided with a campaign of Russian espionage in Australia. In 2024, two Russian-born Australian citizens, married couple Kira and Igor Korolev, were arrested and accused of allegedly attempting to gather and send state secrets to Russia. In June, the charges against them were upgraded to conspiracy to commit espionage. ASIO director Mike Burgess said his agency had forced out a "hive of spies" from an unnamed country in 2022. They were said to be trying to covertly recruit Australians and steal sensitive information. Multiple media outlets later reported that Russia was the country running that network, although ASIO has never publicly confirmed this. Last month, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and nearly two dozen partner agencies issued a joint warning accusing Russian-linked hackers of targeting critical Australian industries, including defence, communications, energy and financial services. In 2018, the Turnbull government announced it was expelling two Russian diplomats, who it said were undeclared intelligence operatives, as part of global action against Moscow over an alleged nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy living in the UK. This year, authorities also charged three Chinese nationals with trying to gather intelligence on a Canberra Buddhist group for Chinese security agencies.

Australian police have charged a dual Russian-Australian citizen for trying to pass Ukrainian military information to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence. The 27-year-old man was due to appear in court in Brisbane on Friday on charges of foreign interference. Recommended Stories list of 3 items- list 1 of 3Russia’s FSB orders British diplomat’s expulsion, UK rejects ‘intimidation’ - list 2 of 3Germany arrests Kazakhstan citizen accused of spying for Russia - list 3 of 3EU sanctions nine people over alleged Russian cyber-spying campaign Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told a news conference that the suspect travelled to Russia for training in October 2024. He then returned to Australia but “maintained contact” with individuals he believed were linked to Moscow’s intelligence services. The police allege the man enlisted in the Ukrainian military in May 2025, where he “gained access to information relating to their military personnel, units and locations”. Barrett said he shared the information obtained in Ukraine with “individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services”, putting the safety of Ukrainian military staff at risk. “We don’t want Australia to become a safe haven for people who are undertaking foreign interference on behalf of other countries,” the commissioner said. The identity of the suspect, who is unemployed, has not been revealed. Police said there was no indication he had received military training in Australia. Search warrants have been executed, they added, noting the possibility of further arrests related to the case. Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation spy agency conducted the investigation. “This case should put regimes perpetrating foreign interference on notice: we have zero tolerance,” ASIO Deputy Director-General Claire McGuinness said. Russia’s embassy in Australia said it had no knowledge of the case. “At this stage, no official requests or notifications have been received by the Embassy or the Consulate General in Sydney, either from the Australian authorities or from the individual concerned,” the embassy said in an email to the AFP news agency. “We are currently using the available channels and resources to establish the circumstances of the case.” Russia arrests Ukrainian operatives Meanwhile, Russian authorities have arrested nine people and charged them with working for Ukrainian intelligence, state media reported on Friday. The TASS media agency said eight of the suspects were found to have 35 drones, equipped with explosives smuggled from the European Union, and planned to attack a strategic defence enterprise in the Moscow region. Separately, a foreign national was detained close to the Norwegian border. The FSB security service said that the man – whose nationality it did not reveal – had been arrested for trying to launch a surveillance drone over Moscow to help Ukrainian intelligence plot an attack on the Russian capital. The FSB said it had detained the individual as he was trying to flee to Norway on foot.

A Russian-Australian citizen has been arrested by federal police in Brisbane over allegations he was covertly and deceptively collecting information about the Ukrainian Armed Forces, while believing he was acting for the Russian Federation. Vladimir Teslov, a 27-year-old man from Victoria, is accused of travelling to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training, returning to Australia, and then travelling to Ukraine in May 2025 to join the Ukrainian armed forces. He was arrested on Thursday afternoon in Sumner, in Brisbane’s south-west, following an investigation by the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force. According to court documents, Teslov intentionally engaged in the conduct believing he was acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Russian Federation, and that it would support their intelligence activities. Teslov allegedly committed the offences in Victoria, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The Australian Federal Police said elements of the offence occurred while the man was both in Australia and offshore, and they would allege his conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media in Canberra it was the first time a person with links to Russia had been charged with attempting to engage in foreign interference since new laws were introduced in 2018. Police said they executed search warrants on Thursday at homes in Brisbane in Sumner and Sinnamon Park. They then searched properties in the south-east Queensland area, including in Springwood and Petrie Terrace on Friday, before searching a person at St Lucia. Electronic devices were seized for forensic examinations. Teslov did not appear for his hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody for a further six weeks. The court heard there was an application by Dylan Kerr, for the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, to suppress the identities of AFP members involved in the investigation. Magistrate Lewis Shillito granted the application. “I am satisfied that the material contained in the open affidavit that has been filed that the nature of the charge and the intent risks pertaining to those involved in the prosecution of Mr Teslov, should their identities be made known … is such that it is in the interest of justice … to make the orders that are sought,” Shillito said. Teslov’s lawyer, Tristan Butler-Keegan, told the court there would be no application for bail for his client, and asked for an adjournment. The case was scheduled to be heard again on October 2. In court documents, Teslov was listed as residing in Bentleigh, Victoria. No occupation was listed. In her media conference, Barrett stressed there was no threat to Australia as a result of the man’s alleged offending. “There is nothing to suggest he received any military training in Australia and, in terms of the training he undertook in Russia, that is part of our ongoing investigations,” she said. “There is no risk of him working for an Australian government agency that would pose a risk to Australia.” She said further charges could be laid after officers finished examining a number of electronic devices and other items seized in the Thursday arrest. Barrett did not go into detail about what police meant when they said the man “believed” he was providing information to Russian intelligence. She declined to say whether police had begun their investigation on the advice of Ukraine. Asked whether the man would have been charged if he was accused of supplying Ukraine with Russian information, she replied: “We target criminal offending, not countries. “Our job is ensuring that Australia does not become a safe haven for people who think they can conduct foreign interference on our shores. This is about sending a message.” Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, told News24 he would work with the AFP if any support was needed in their investigation. “Russia has been waging this war for over four years. Apparently Ukraine is a target for Russian intelligence, and they’re trying to get information in any possible way,” he said. “Russians are trying to get any information … especially of somebody who’s spent some time with the Ukrainian military, there is lots of useful information that that would be of value.” Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.

Russian-Australian Charged With Spying on Ukraine Military Appears in Court By Alasdair Pal Details of the Espionage Case Background of the Accused SYDNEY, Aug 21 (Reuters) - A dual Russian-Australian citizen is set to appear in court on Friday after being charged with foreign interference, for trying to give Ukrainian military information to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence. The 27-year-old, who will face a judge in the northern city of Brisbane, is accused by Australian federal police of having joined the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025 and sharing information he obtained there. Potential Legal Consequences • If proved, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment. The man could not be reached for comment. International and Diplomatic Reactions Russian Embassy Response • A spokesperson for Russia's embassy in Canberra said it first learnt of the case from media reports, and received no official communications from either the Australian authorities or the suspect. Timeline of Events Military Training and Activities • He is accused of travelling to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training, before returning to Australia that December. He then joined the Ukrainian armed forces. Australian Authorities' Statements Ongoing Investigation and Security Assessment • Authorities said there is nothing to suggest a current threat to Australia, though their investigation continues. Comments from Law Enforcement • "Foreign interference is an insidious crime and has a bigger impact on Australia than many people realise," AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in a statement. Previous Cases of Espionage • Since 2020, an Australian task force has charged eight people with offences of espionage or foreign interference. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Clarence Fernandez)

Russian-Australian accused of spying after joining Ukrainian military A dual Russian-Australian citizen has been arrested in Australia and charged with foreign interference after allegedly attempting to provide sensitive information about the Ukrainian military to people he believed were connected to Russian intelligence. The 27-year-old man was charged by the Australian Federal Police on Friday and is due to appear in court in Brisbane, Reuters reported. Authorities allege that the man traveled to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training before returning to Australia two months later. He subsequently joined the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025, where prosecutors say he obtained military information that he later attempted to share with individuals he believed were linked to Russian intelligence. The alleged offence carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Australian authorities said there was currently no indication that the suspect posed a threat to Australia's national security, but the investigation remains ongoing. The man's case highlights growing concerns in Australia over foreign interference linked to the war in Ukraine and tensions between Russia and Western countries. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett described foreign interference as an “insidious crime” and said its impact on Australia was greater than many people realize. The suspect could not immediately be reached for comment, while Russia's embassy in Canberra had not responded to a request for comment. Australian authorities have stepped up efforts to investigate suspected espionage and foreign interference in recent years. Since 2020, an Australian task force has charged eight people with espionage or foreign interference offences. The case is now expected to move through the Australian courts as investigators continue examining the man's alleged contacts and activities. News.Az By Aysel Mammadzada

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By clicking “Accept ”, you agree that cookies can be placed per our Privacy Policy ACCEPT Advertisement Ukraine war AsiaAustralasia Australia charges dual citizen accused of spying for Russia in Ukraine The Russian-Australian man who enlisted in Ukraine’s military has been accused of sharing unit locations and troop data with Moscow 2-MIN READ2-MIN 0 Listen !Tourists are seen in front of Australia’s Sydney Opera House in July. Photo: AFP Agence France-Presse Published: 7:23pm, 21 Aug 2026 Australian police charged a man with foreign interference on Friday for allegedly seeking to pass intelligence about Ukrainian military activities to Russia. The 27-year-old Russian-Australian citizen underwent “military-style” training in Russia and later joined the Ukrainian armed forces, Australian federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett told a news conference. Police allege he travelled to Russia for the training in October 2024, before returning to Australia, where he “maintained contact” with individuals he believed were linked to Moscow’s intelligence services. He travelled in 2025 to Ukraine, where he enlisted in the country’s armed forces and “gained access to information relating to their military personnel, units and locations”, police allege. 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!we-are-for-you !Article Image !icon-lock Russian-Australian dual citizen charged over alleged Kremlin spy plot Dual national Vladimir Teslov faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of sharing Ukrainian military secrets with the Kremlin, adding to foreign interference cases brought forward in Australia. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Access What’s included Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games A subscription to The Wall Street Journal Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a week for 4 weeks ($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks. Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $6.50 a week for the first 12 months ($338 min. cost) charged as $26 every 4 weeks. Then $26 charged every 4 weeks. *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription 12 Month Plan costs $338 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $26 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $26 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Student Subscription Verified journalism. Expert analysis. Study smarter and stay informed with a student subscription View offer !Why Brand Image View offer Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions !Error icon Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.

Russian authorities arrested eight people for planning an attack on an enterprise in the Moscow region and separately detained one foreign national for scouting out government buildings and strategic infrastructure, state news agencies reported today (21 August). The first arrests concerned eight people who were found to have been using 35 drones equipped with explosives smuggled from the European Union to attack a strategic defence enterprise in the Moscow region, the Tass state news agency said, citing Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). Separately, the RIA state news agency said a foreign national from an unspecified country was detained in the northwest Murmansk region, where he was planning to cross the border into Norway. The FSB said the individual was suspected of having scouted trains carrying petroleum products at a Moscow railway station, as well as administrative buildings in the Russian capital, according to the Ria state news agency. State agencies said all the people were working for Ukrainian special services. Russia regularly announces detentions of suspected Ukrainian agents. Ukraine has not yet commented on the recent detentions.

Russian law enforcement authorities have arrested eight people accused of plotting an attack on a Moscow-region defense enterprise and separately detained a foreign national for scouting government buildings and strategic infrastructure, state media reported Friday. Russia's FSB security service claimed the group of eight was found in possession of 35 explosive-equipped drones smuggled from the European Union, which were supposed to be used in an attack on a strategic defense facility in the Moscow region. Separately, the state news agency RIA Novosti reported that a foreign national was detained in the northwestern Murmansk region while attempting to cross the border into Norway. According to the FSB, that individual is suspected of spying on trains carrying petroleum products at a Moscow railway station and surveilling government buildings in the Russian capital. It did not say what country the foreign national was from. Russian authorities accused all nine individuals of operating on behalf of Ukrainian special services. Moscow routinely announces the detention of suspected Ukrainian agents. Ukraine has not commented on the most recent arrests. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. .

Australian dual citizen charged over alleged Russian intelligence plot involving Ukraine’s armed forces An Australian man faces 20 years behind bars over extraordinary claims involving Russia, Ukraine and military intelligence. A Russian Australian man has been charged with foreign interference and faces up to 20 years jail after allegedly travelling to Ukraine to collect military intelligence to pass onto Moscow. The 27-year-old dual citizen, identified in court as Vladimir Teslov, was arrested on Thursday in Sumner in Brisbane’s west following a lengthy investigation led by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Intelligence Security Organisation. Teslov did not appear in court in Brisbane on Friday where he did not apply for bail and his matter was adjourned for mention on October 2. Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters. Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox. By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The court heard there was an application by Dylan Kerr, for the AFP Commissioner, to suppress the identities of AFP members involved in the investigation which was granted by Magistrate Lewis Shillito. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said authorities believe the suspect travelled to Russia in October 2024, where he undertook military-style training before returning to Australia. “In Australia, it is alleged the man maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services,” Commissioner Barrett said. He is then alleged to have travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, where he joined the country’s armed forces to gain access to information relating to their military personnel, units and locations. “This is the first time the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force has charged a Russian-linked individual with attempting to engage in foreign interference since new laws were introduced in 2018 to protect Australia’s sovereignty and our national interests,” Commissioner Barrett said. “It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel. We allege elements of this offending occurred in Australia and offshore,” she told reporters at AFP headquarters. “We will allege the 27-year-old man sought to provide information about Ukrainian military activities to individuals he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services.” The AFP Commissioner said the suspect was “unemployed”, had not worked for the Australian government there was nothing to suggest that he received any military training in this country. “A number of electronic devices and various items relevant to the investigation were seized, which will undergo extensive forensic examinations,” the AFP Commissioner also revealed. Under Australia’s foreign interference laws, the 27-year-old Victorian man could could face a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment if found guilty. This week’s arrest followed the establishment of the AFP’s “Operation Wood Creeper” in June this year, with national security sources telling The Nightly the matter involved a “complex and lengthy” investigation. Three years ago, Russia’s embassy in Canberra was revealed to be operating a “hive of spies”, posing as diplomats, which was uncovered and dismantled by Australia’s domestic intelligence agency ASIO. A year later authorities arrested two Russian-born Australian citizens, Kira Korolev and her husband, Igor, who were initially charged with preparing for an espionage offence involving sending military secrets to Moscow. In June the charges against the married couple were upgraded to conspiracy to commit espionage, which could see them jailed for life. Last November ASIO boss Mike Burgess confirmed his organisation was also investigating several pro-Russian social media influencers in Australia who were “almost certainly” receiving directives from the Kremlin. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attempted invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the Australian government has committed over $1.5 billion in assistance to Kyiv and imposed hundreds of sanctions against Moscow.

A 27-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Russia has been arrested in Australia on charges of attempting to pass information about Ukrainian military personnel to individuals linked to Russian intelligence. According to ABC News, the man previously served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was detained on August 20 in Brisbane. In court, he was identified as Vladimir Teslov. He has been charged with attempted deliberate foreign interference. The maximum penalty under this charge is 20 years in prison. According to Australian police, in October 2024, Teslov traveled to Russia, where he underwent military training. After returning to Australia, he traveled to Ukraine in May 2025 and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Investigators believe the man joined the Ukrainian military to gain access to information about service members, units, and their locations. He later allegedly attempted to pass this information on to individuals he believed to be Russian intelligence agents. AFP Commissioner Chrissy Barrett stated that investigators have no information indicating that the suspect’s actions posed or pose a threat to Australia’s security. At the same time, police believe his activities may have endangered Ukrainian service members. Law enforcement officials seized several electronic devices and other items that may be relevant to the investigation. They plan to examine them in detail. Police also have not ruled out the possibility that new suspects may emerge in the case. “We still have a long way to go, and this is a very complex investigation,” Barrett said. A court in Brisbane has adjourned the case until October 2. The man is currently considered a defendant, and his guilt has yet to be established by the court. Australian authorities emphasize that the country must not become a place where foreign states can conduct intelligence activities with impunity. That is why the AFP and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s activities. Source: ABC News Tens of thousands of Russian citizens have begun leaving for Georgia amid rumors of a possible new wave of mobilization this fall. The Russian Federal Customs Service reported record passenger traffic through the “Verkhniy Lars” border crossing. A new mobilization in Russia could result in heavy losses and desertions—FT. As a reminder, Putin has called for increased support for the war among Russians. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin instructed the command of the Russian Navy to respond “resolutely” to attempts by Western countries to detain Russian tankers. He made this statement during a meeting with Russian fleet commanders. Read us on Telegram and Sends