Brisbane Couple Faces New Espionage Conspiracy Charge
A married couple from Brisbane have been hit with a new, more serious charge of conspiracy to commit espionage, after an earlier charge against them was dismissed for lack of evidence.
Court Proceedings
Kira and Igor Korolev appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court via video link on [Date not specified]. Crown prosecutors presented a new indictment, charging the pair with conspiracy to commit espionage, an alleged offence that took place between January 2023 and July 2024 in both Brisbane and Russia.
The previous charge of preparing for an espionage offence was dismissed due to a lack of evidence. That charge had carried a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.
Background of the Case
The Korolevs were arrested at their Brisbane home in 2024. At the time, authorities charged them with preparing for an espionage offence.
Ms. Korolev was an army private working as an information systems technician in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). According to court documents, she allegedly took long-term leave from the ADF before making a non-declared travel to Russia.
Next Steps
The couple has been remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for early August.