‘Back off’: Albo hits out at Russia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a strong rebuke to Russia’s claims charges against an Australian Army private and her husband were inciting “anti-Russian propaganda”, telling the nation to “back off”.

On Friday, Kira Korolev and her husband Igor were the first people in Australia to be charged with espionage, after allegedly stealing state secrets to share with Russia.

Kira, who was employed with the ADF as an information systems technician for several years, was allegedly undertaking non-declared travel to Russia while on leave from the ADF and instructed Igor – who remained in Australia – to log into her work account from their Brisbane home.

Court documents seen by NewsWire allege Ms Korolev and Mr Korolev both allegedly unlawfully accessed, copied and disseminated information from the Department of Defence computer systems that concerned the national security of Australia.

The Commonwealth will allege the couple maintained a relationship with members of affiliates of the Russian Federation Intelligence Services for purposes of providing the information she had illegally obtained from the Department of Defence.

It is not yet known if that information reached Russian authorities.

On Saturday, the Russian embassy declared a joint press conference held by AFP and ASIO bosses Reece Kershaw and Mike Burgess on Friday announcing the charges was intended to stoke anti-Russian sentiment.

“The press conference of AFP and ASIO chiefs on 12 July was clearly intended to launch another wave of anti-Russian paranoia in Australia,” the embassy said.

“Theatrical tricks were used like talking to imaginary ‘Russian spies’ presumed to be all around.”

Asked to respond later in the day, Mr Albanese did not mince his words.

“Russia can get the message, back off,” he said.

“Russia engages in espionage here and around the world. Russia has no credibility. And the message to Russia is, how about you get out of Ukraine and stop the illegal and immoral war that you’re engaged in.

“And how about you try to stop interfering in domestic affairs of other sovereign nations.

“This is a country that has no respect for international law, and they should be regarded with contempt, which is what I have for them.”

Kira and Igor Korolev, who had Russian passports, have reportedly been in Australia for more than 10 years, with Kira having obtained Australian citizenship in 2016, followed by her husband Igor in 2020.

The couple had been living in Everton Park in Brisbane for a couple of years before the AFP issued a search warrant on Thursday, which eventuated in their arrests.

They have been charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offence, and remain in custody on remand after facing Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said “no significant compromise” had been identified following the AFP’s disruption of the alleged crime but warned Australians against committing espionage crimes.

“Espionage is not a victimless crime and it is certainly growing. It has the potential to impact on Australia’s sovereignty, safety and way of life,” he said.

“My direct warning is we know who you are, you are likely already exposed. You will get a knock on your door and it will be either from someone wearing this patch on their shoulder or from one of our other national security agencies.

“You will face embarrassment and potentially a very lengthy term of imprisonment.”

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director-General Mike Burgess said “multiple countries are seeking to steal Australia’s secrets” and emphasised ASIO is “on the case”.

“Espionage is not some quaint notion, espionage damages our economy and degrades our strategic advantage. It has catastrophic real-world consequences,” he said.

“Foreign intelligence services are capable, determined and patient. They play the long game. The problem for them is ASIO does too.”

Mr Burgess also took the opportunity to speak directly to operatives of Russian intelligence services while mentioning the 1954 defections of Soviet spies Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov to Australia.

“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Petrov defections,” he said.

“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.”

He acknowledged the AFP, ASIO, and the counter-foreign interference task force teams for the “lengthy and complex” investigation before adding he wouldn’t comment on the matter further.

“I appreciate the charges have not been tested in a court and we must respect the presumption of innocence,” he said.