Operation BURGAZADA: Russian-Born Couple Charged with Espionage in Australia

Australian authorities have charged a Russian-born couple with espionage in a operation referred to as ‘Operation BURGAZADA’, which the first use of new anti-espionage laws introduced in 2018. Kira Korolev, 40, a private in the Australian Army, and her husband Igor Korolev, 62, a laborer, face allegations of stealing sensitive Defense Force material for Russian intelligence.

The couple, who arrived in Australia a decade ago and became citizens in recent years, appeared before a Brisbane magistrate on Friday. They could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The case has raised questions about the screening process for military recruits and the ongoing threat of foreign espionage.

Operation BURGAZADA Investigation

The AFP’s investigation into the couple’s activities is ongoing, with authorities seeking to determine whether the information was handed over to Russian authorities. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general Mike Burgess has warned foreign spies that “when we can support a prosecution, we will support a prosecution.

Press-conference in relation to the investigation (Source: spaces.hightail.com)

Barrister Dylan Kerr, a commissioner from the Australian Federal Police, filed an application for the suppression of five names related to the case for national security reasons. The Defence Force has responded to these allegations by cancelling the couple’s access to defence bases and systems.

Court documents reveal that Kira Korolev is accused of providing unlawful access to defense computer systems, copying and disseminating information, and maintaining relationships with Russian Federation intelligence services. The alleged activities date back to December 2022 and continued until their arrest on July 11, 2024.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said Kira Korolev, an information systems technician with a security clearance, allegedly traveled to Russia in 2023 while on leave. During this time, she reportedly instructed her husband on accessing defense systems using her work account from their Brisbane home.

A caretaker of the apartment block where the couple resided, Blake Fraser, stated that he had not noticed any suspicious activity from the couple. He stated, “I kept my eye out for anything unusual, but honestly, even being here on-site, I never saw anything.”

He said that he only received his first hint that something was off when the apartment had received a request from ASIO and the AFP to access its F block, later being greeted by police cars and officers who arrived to arrest the couple.

“I certainly wouldn’t think that in my lifetime something like this would have happened,” Fraser exclaimed.

Official Response and Implications

The arrests resulted from a joint operation involving the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Federal Police. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess stated that the Defense Force’s security awareness allowed early intervention and control of the operation.

Authorities are investigating whether Kira Korolev joined the Defense Force with the intention of committing espionage or if the couple had been recruited more recently into Russian intelligence. The case has prompted a review of vetting procedures for military personnel, especially those born overseas. While officials claim no significant security compromise has been identified, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges of countering foreign espionage.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation encouraged potential Russian spies to defect and share secrets, using the famous example of the 1954 Petrov defections, where  Soviet spies who posed as Russian diplomats had defected to Australia. Burgess stated, “If you want to share your secrets, please reach out”.

Vladimir Petrov and Evdokia Petrov who defected to Australia in 1954 (Source:www.naa.gov.au)

The Federal Police Commissioner Kershaw stated that no other individuals had been identified so far in the investigation, while investigators are also working to assess if the couple had established any rapport with any Russian diplomats based in Australia.

Court documents allege the couple maintained a relationship with members or affiliates of Russian intelligence services for the purpose of providing the information. Kershaw expressed confidence in the counter-intelligence capability of the Australian government and the Five Eyes. He stated:
“Our Five Eyes partners and the Australian government can be confident that the robust partnerships within the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce mean we will continue to identify and disrupt espionage and foreign interference activity.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that any individuals interfering with Australia’s national interests will be held accountable.

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