Russian Migrants to Australia Face Spy Allegations in Court

A Brisbane couple accused ‌of spying on ​Australia for Russia had multiple digital ⁢devices seized from their apartment, a court has heard. During a hearing on ⁣Sept. 20, Prosecutor ⁤Ellie McDonald informed the court that additional ⁢time‍ was needed to examine the various⁣ confiscated digital devices. “There’s‌ a significant volume of ‌material in ‌this matter. Twelve devices ⁤were seized,” she stated.

In July, Igor Korolev (60) and⁣ Kira Korolev (42) were arrested​ on allegations of espionage, accused⁤ of ​sending sensitive information to Russia.‍ Kira,‌ an Australian Army private originally from ⁤Russia, and Igor,‌ a self-employed labourer, were taken into custody by police.

The Korolevs, who face charges of preparing⁢ for espionage, were not present ⁢in ‍court or appeared via video link. Both are being held in custody⁣ as they await further legal proceedings.

Solicitors for both Igor and Kira did not oppose the prosecution’s request ⁢for more ‍time ‍nor did they apply for bail.

The‍ couple ‍lived‍ in Australia for approximately 10 years and were ⁤married when they arrived but have⁤ yet to​ enter pleas. If‍ proven‌ guilty,⁣ the ‌charges against them ⁣could carry a‍ maximum ​sentence ⁤of‍ 15 years in ‍prison.

Prosecutors allege that Kira ‌travelled to Russia without notifying⁤ authorities while ​on long-term leave from the Australian ⁤Defence Force in 2023. During this time, she allegedly‍ instructed her husband to access her official work‍ account and retrieve sensitive information which was then sent to​ her ⁤private ‌email account.

In court, Magistrate Peter Saggers granted the prosecution’s request for more time ‍setting Dec. 13 as the⁤ deadline for submitting a⁢ full brief of evidence. The case‌ will ⁣be revisited on Dec. 20.

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