Australian Authorities Charge Dual Citizen Over Alleged Sharing of Ukrainian Military Intelligence with Russian Operatives

Australian police have charged a man accused of joining the Ukrainian armed forces and attempting to share operational details with individuals he believed were Russian agents.

Vladimir Teslov, a dual Russian‑Australian citizen, appeared in court on Friday after the Australian Federal Police charged him with attempted foreign interference, an offence punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Police allege that the 27‑year‑old traveled to Russia in October 2024 to undergo military‑style training.

Upon his return to Australia later that year, police allege he continued communicating with people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services.

In May of the previous year, he is alleged to have traveled to Ukraine, enlisted in its armed forces, and obtained data concerning military personnel, units, and locations.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the investigation, codenamed Operation Woodcreeper, began in June of this year.

It is alleged that Teslov’s efforts to disseminate the information posed a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel, and that he attempted to do so both in Australia and abroad.

Teslov was arrested on Thursday, during which police executed searches at several Brisbane residences and seized multiple electronic devices.

He is believed to reside in Victoria, was unemployed, and there was no indication that he received military training in Australia or worked for any government agency.

Barrett said the investigation was complex, though the suspect was not considered to pose a direct threat to Australia.

There was no known link between Teslov and the Russian‑born couple Kira and Igor Korolev, who reside in Brisbane and face espionage charges filed in 2024; the case remains ongoing, and they have not yet entered a plea.

Barrett did not disclose the length of Teslov’s residence in Australia, and when questioned about a possible broader network, she noted that investigations were ongoing and additional arrests could follow.

Authorities are also examining whether Teslov voluntarily offered his services to the suspected Russian intelligence officials or was recruited.

Barrett said the AFP has been working with domestic and international partners, but whether Ukraine will initiate prosecutions is a matter for the Ukrainian authorities.

This is the eighth occasion on which foreign interference charges have been filed in Australia, and the first time the specific charge involves an alleged offender linked to Russia.

She clarified that Russia itself has not been the focus of AFP investigations, even though Australia is an ally of Ukraine.

Barrett said the agency’s role is to ensure Australia does not become a safe haven for individuals seeking to conduct foreign interference on its soil.

Claire McGuinness, deputy director‑general of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), stated that foreign interference poses both a threat to life and to the nation’s way of life.

McGuinness added that the case serves as a warning to regimes engaging in foreign interference, emphasizing a zero‑tolerance stance.

She affirmed that ASIO’s resolve remains firm and that the agency will continue collaborating with its partners to detect and counter attacks on Australia’s sovereignty.

She said the achievement underscores the rigour, perseverance, and agility of Australian agencies, expressing immense pride in ASIO’s contribution to the case.

Teslov was denied bail by Magistrate Lewis Shillito in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, and his case was adjourned to 2 October.

The Russian embassy in Canberra said it became aware of the case through media reports.

The embassy added that, at this stage, it has not received any official requests or notifications from Australian authorities or the individual involved.

It said it is presently employing the available channels and resources to determine the circumstances of the case.

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