Russian couple accused of leaking military information have apartment, assets confiscated

Australian Federal Police have confiscated the apartment and assets of the Russian husband and wife accused of leaking military information to Russia.

Kira and Igor Korolev, aged 40 and 62, were arrested at their apartment in the Brisbane suburb of Everton Park on July 11.

Under a recently issued restraining order, their $550,000 home, multiple bank accounts, and the superannuation earned by the woman during her employment with the defence force have been confiscated.

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The disposal of, or any dealings with, the restrained assets can now only be made with court approval.

AFP Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce commander Amelia McDonald said her team would make sure the couple could lawfully justify the wealth and assets they accumulated.

"The AFP has a two-pronged strategy for combating illegal activity – investigation and criminal prosecutions; and also confiscating wealth from people who try to operate outside of the law," she said.

The Russian-born pair lived in Australia for more than 10 years before they gained citizenship.

The couple are accused of accessing sensitive information from the Australian Defence Force with the intent to provide it to Russian authorities.

Kira, who worked as an information systems technician in the defence force, is believed to have expertise in encrypted communications.

She is accused of taking non-declared travel to Russia while on long-term leave from the army.

They were each charged with preparing for an espionage offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.

It was the first time an espionage offence has been issued in Australia since new laws were introduced in 2018.

The proceeds of crime proceedings and the criminal case both remain before the courts.