Two Russian-born Australian citizens accused of attempting to spy for Russia have been charged with a more serious offence, with the initial offence dismissed.
On Monday the Brisbane Magistrates Court married couple Kira and Igor Korolev appeared by video link side-by-side.
Crown prosecutors presented a new bench charge for the couple of conspiracy to commit espionage.
It’s alleged the offence occurred between January 2023 and July 2024 in Brisbane and Russia.
In 2024, they were arrested at their Brisbane home and charged over allegedly attempting to gather and send state secrets to Russia.
Crown prosecutors in the Brisbane Magistrates Court asked the judge to dismiss an earlier espionage charge against the couple. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Ms Korolev was an army private working as an Information Systems Technician at the time, the Australian Federal Police had said.
She allegedly had taken long-term leave from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), before taking part in “non-declared travel” to Russia.
The couple had initially each been charged with one count of preparing for an espionage offence, which carries a 15-year maximum sentence.
Kira and Igor Korolev were arrested and charged in 2024, accused of attempting to gather and send state secrets to Russia. (Youtube/Facebook)
The Brisbane Magistrates Court heard Crown prosecutors today asked the judge for that charged to be dismissed.
Kira and Igor Korolev were remanded in custody with their matter adjourned until early August.
