A former Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier was detained in Australia on suspicion of spying for Russia — ABC News
A 27-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Russia has been arrested in Australia on charges of attempting to pass information about Ukrainian military personnel to individuals linked to Russian intelligence. According to ABC News, the man previously served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He was detained on August 20 in Brisbane. In court, he was identified as Vladimir Teslov. He has been charged with attempted deliberate foreign interference. The maximum penalty under this charge is 20 years in prison. According to Australian police, in October 2024, Teslov traveled to Russia, where he underwent military training. After returning to Australia, he traveled to Ukraine in May 2025 and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Investigators believe the man joined the Ukrainian military to gain access to information about service members, units, and their locations. He later allegedly attempted to pass this information on to individuals he believed to be Russian intelligence agents. AFP Commissioner Chrissy Barrett stated that investigators have no information indicating that the suspect’s actions posed or pose a threat to Australia’s security. At the same time, police believe his activities may have endangered Ukrainian service members.
Law enforcement officials seized several electronic devices and other items that may be relevant to the investigation. They plan to examine them in detail. Police also have not ruled out the possibility that new suspects may emerge in the case. “We still have a long way to go, and this is a very complex investigation,” Barrett said.
A court in Brisbane has adjourned the case until October 2. The man is currently considered a defendant, and his guilt has yet to be established by the court. Australian authorities emphasize that the country must not become a place where foreign states can conduct intelligence activities with impunity. That is why the AFP and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s activities.
Source: ABC News
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