A dual Russian-Australian citizen has been charged with attempting to pass information about Ukrainian military activities to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services, Australian authorities said on Friday.
The man, 27, was due to appear in a Brisbane court on Friday charged with attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) said in a joint statement. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
He was arrested on Thursday following an investigation by Australian authorities.
Investigators allege the man travelled to Russia in October 2024 and underwent “military-style training” before returning to Australia two months later.
“After returning to Australia in December 2024, it is alleged he maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services,” the statement said.
The man allegedly travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces and gained access to information about military personnel, units and locations.
“It is alleged he subsequently provided, or attempted to provide, information obtained in Ukraine to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services,” the statement added.
Police said the alleged conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said it was the first time the task force had charged a Russian-linked individual with attempted foreign interference under laws introduced in 2018.