Kathmandu— Australian authorities have charged a 27-year-old man with foreign interference after alleging he passed Ukrainian military intelligence to individuals believed to be connected to Russian intelligence services. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the man, an Australian-Russian dual citizen, traveled to Russia for training in October 2024 before enlisting in the Ukrainian military in May 2025 where he gained access to sensitive information about personnel, units and locations. He is scheduled to appear in court in Brisbane on Friday.

Allegations of Espionage

Police claim the suspect maintained contact with individuals linked to Russian intelligence after returning to Australia from training in Russia. According to AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett, the man shared information obtained while serving in the Ukrainian military with those he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence, potentially endangering Ukrainian personnel. “We don’t want Australia to become a safe haven for people who are undertaking foreign interference on behalf of other countries,” Barrett stated during a news conference.

Investigation and Potential Further Arrests

The investigation was jointly conducted by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). ASIO Deputy Director-General Claire McGuinness emphasized that this case should serve as a warning to those involved in foreign interference, stating, “This case should put regimes perpetrating foreign interference on notice: we have zero tolerance.” Authorities indicated that search warrants have been executed and further arrests related to the case are possible.

Russian Response

Russia’s embassy in Australia stated they had no prior knowledge of the charges. In an email to AFP, the embassy said it was “currently using the available channels and resources to establish the circumstances of the case.” Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported arresting nine individuals accused of working for Ukrainian intelligence, alleging they were planning attacks within Russia.

The investigation remains ongoing as Australian authorities continue to gather information and assess potential connections. The suspect is expected to appear in court on Friday.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.