Australian police charge man accused of attempting to share Ukrainian military intel with Russian agents

Vladimir Teslov, a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen, has been charged by Australian police for allegedly attempting to share Ukrainian military intelligence with what he believed to be Russian intelligence agents. Teslov appeared in court on Friday after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged him with attempted foreign interference, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

According to police, Teslov traveled to Russia in October 2024 to receive military-style training. Upon his return to Australia, he allegedly maintained contact with individuals he suspected were connected to Russian intelligence services. In May of the previous year, Teslov reportedly joined the Ukrainian military forces and, during his service, accessed sensitive information about Ukrainian military personnel, units, and locations.

The AFP's Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, stated that an investigation, Operation Woodcreeper, commenced in June of this year. The charges allege that Teslov's attempts to share the acquired information posed a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel. Teslov was arrested on Thursday, and multiple properties in Brisbane were searched, with several devices seized. It was reported that he lived in Victoria and was unemployed at the time of his arrest.

Police noted that there was no evidence Teslov had received military training in Australia or worked for any government agency. Barrett emphasized that while the investigation is complex, Teslov is not considered a direct threat to Australia. Furthermore, no connection was found between Teslov and Kira and Igor Korolev, a Brisbane-based Russian-born couple previously charged with espionage offenses in 2024, whose case remains ongoing.

Barrett declined to disclose how long Teslov had resided in Australia and whether he was part of a larger network. The AFP is continuing its investigation into the possibility of further arrests. Barrett also mentioned that the AFP has been working with domestic and international partners but that it is up to Ukraine whether they will pursue any prosecutions.

This marks the eighth time foreign interference charges have been laid in Australia, with this being the first instance involving an alleged offender connected to Russia. Barrett stated that Russia has not been the target of the AFP's efforts, despite Australia being an ally of Ukraine. She emphasized that the AFP's primary focus is ensuring Australia does not become a safe haven for individuals involved in foreign interference.

Claire McGuinness, a deputy director-general for the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), expressed firm zero tolerance towards foreign interference, stating that such actions represent both threats to life and our national way of life. ASIO's involvement in the case showcases their resolve and commitment to detecting and countering attacks on Australia's sovereignty.

ASIO's contribution to this case has been described as "outstanding," with McGuinness expressing immense pride in their work. The Russian embassy in Canberra was informed of the case via media reports and stated that no official requests or notifications had been received by their embassy or consulate in Sydney.