A Brisbane couple with Russian passports have become the first people to be charged under new espionage laws after a joint investigation between Australia’s spy and security agencies.
AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw said a 40-year-old woman on long-term leave from the Australian defence force and her 62-year-old husband were charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offence, which could lead to up to 15 years in prison.
Defence raised concerns leading to Operation Bergazada, which culminated with a knock on the door of the couple’s Everton Park residential home in Brisbane.
Kershaw alleged the pair “worked together to access Australian Defence Force material that related to Australia’s national security interests”.
“We allege the woman was undertaking non-declared travel to Russia, whilst she was on long term leave from the Australian Defence Force,” Kershaw said.
“We allege that whilst she was in Russia, she instructed her husband, who remained in Australia, on how to log into her official work account from their Brisbane home. We allege her husband would access requested material and would send to his wife in Russia.
“We allege they sought that information with the intention of providing it to Russian authorities. Whether that information was handed over remains a key focus of our investigation.”
Kershaw said “no significant compromise has been identified” and Australia’s Five Eyes security partners had been made aware of the investigation. Australia’s spy bosses had not ruled out further charges or that others may be involved.
Asio head Mike Burgess said he would not be commenting on the details of the investigation but issued an invitation for Russian spies to “reach out” to his agency.
“I want to speak directly to the operatives of Russian intelligence services,” he said at a Canberra press conference on Friday.
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Petrov defections. Two Russian spies gave ASIO and our closest allies the name of Russian assets in western countries. If you want to share your secrets, please reach out. ASIO is always listening.”
Burgess said the threat to Australia’s security “was real” and allegations were always treated seriously.
“Multiple countries are seeking to steal Australia’s secrets,” he said.
“We cannot be naive and we cannot be complacent. Espionage is not some quaint notion, espionage damages our economy and degrades our strategic advantage. It has catastrophic real world consequences.
“Foreign intelligence services are capable, determined and patient. They play the long game. The problem for them is ASIO does too.”
