Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
National
Rex Martinich

Accused Russian spy faces court for first time

A Russian-Australian man accused of spying on the Ukrainian military has spoken briefly in his first court appearance.

Vladimir Teslov, 27, was arrested in Brisbane's southwest in August and charged with attempting to engage in foreign interference

The Victorian man reportedly travelled to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training, before returning to Australia and going to Ukraine the following year to join its armed forces.

He allegedly provided the location and operation of Ukrainian military activities to Russian forces as part of the country's ongoing invasion of its southwestern neighbour.

Teslov had not been required to appear in court in person immediately after his arrest in August.

The dual Russian and Australian citizen appeared by video link on Friday in Brisbane Magistrates Court wearing a green jail-issue shirt.

Teslov did not speak except to confirm his identity and when asked by the magistrate if he had any questions.

"No, Your Honour," Teslov said.

man
Russian-Australian dual citizen Vladimir Teslov has been remanded in custody. (HANDOUT/AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE)

Work had started on preparing the brief of evidence, Commonwealth prosecutor Ellie McDonald told the court.

But another eight weeks were required before the first tranche could be served on Teslov

Analysis of 17 devices seized in the investigation was not complete, Ms McDonald said.

Mr Mack adjourned the matter to December 4.

Teslov's arrest came following an investigation by the federal police's counter foreign interference task force.

It marked the first time the task force had charged a Russian-linked person under foreign interference laws.

Australian Federal Police alleged Teslov maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services.

"Investigators will allege the man then travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, where he joined the Ukrainian armed forces, gaining access to information relating to military personnel, units and locations," AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters in August.

Teslov did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

He has not been required to enter pleas at this stage.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.