CANBERRA, ACT. — The AFP has upgraded charges against married Russian-born Australian citizens to conspiracy to commit espionage under Operation Burgazada.
The married pair was originally charged on July 11, 2024, with one count each of preparing for an espionage offence, contrary to section 91.12 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Following a comprehensive assessment of the available evidence and prospects of conviction, the charges were upgraded at the Brisbane Magistrates’ Court.
The woman, 42, and the man, 64, each face one count of conspiracy to commit espionage, contrary to section 91.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), by virtue of section 11.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
It is the first time this offence has been laid in Australia since new laws were introduced by the Commonwealth in 2018.
Assistant Commissioner Cyber and Special Investigations Sandra Booth said the upgraded charges were a better representation of the serious allegations.
“Espionage remains one of the most significant national security threats to Australia, impacting government, businesses and the university sector,” Assistant Commissioner Booth said.
“The AFP – as a member of the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce – is committed to working with its partners within Australia and across the globe to defend and protect Australia and Australia’s future from security threats.”
The Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF), which includes the AFP, ASIO and other Commonwealth partners, has dedicated significant resources and capabilities to Operation Burgazada, which remains ongoing.
