A dual Russian-Australian citizen has been charged with attempting to engage in foreign interference after allegedly seeking to provide information about Ukrainian military activities to individuals he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services.
The man, 27, is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today (21 August, 2026) to face one count of attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference, contrary to section 92.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
The Victorian resident was arrested in Sumner, Queensland, yesterday (20 August, 2026) after an investigation by the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force (CFITF). The AFP began Operation Woodcreeper in June 2026, following an extensive investigation by ASIO.
Search warrants were executed at homes at Sumner and Sinnamon Park yesterday and a further three search warrants were executed today at properties at Springwood and Petrie Terrace, and on an individual at Saint Lucia. A number of electronic devices and items relevant to the investigation were seized, which will undergo extensive forensic examinations.
It will be alleged the man sought to collect and communicate information relating to Ukrainian military personnel, locations and operations for the benefit of the Russian Federation.
It is alleged the man travelled to Russia in October, 2024, and undertook military-style training.
After returning to Australia in December, 2024, it is alleged he maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services.
Investigators will allege the man travelled to Ukraine in May, 2025, where he joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces and gained access to information relating to their military personnel, units and locations.
It is alleged he subsequently provided, or attempted to provide, information obtained in Ukraine to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services.
The AFP will allege the conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel.
It is alleged elements of the offence occurred while the man was in Australian and offshore.
At this stage, there is nothing to suggest there is – or has been – any threat to Australia, however, the investigation is ongoing.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said it was the first time the CFITF had charged a Russian-linked individual with attempting to engage in foreign interference since new laws were introduced in 2018 to protect Australia’s sovereignty and national interests.
“When I became Commissioner in October 2025, I shifted the AFP’s mission to defend and protect Australia and Australia’s future from security threats,” Commissioner Barrett said.
“The AFP is a national security agency and has a laser-like focus on charging those who undermine Australia’s sovereignty, whether they are accused of acting overtly or operate in the shadows on behalf of foreign principals who do not share our values.
“Foreign interference is an insidious crime and has a bigger impact on Australia than many people realise. Offenders who engage in these crimes can leave our nation vulnerable to security threats.
“Global conflicts continue to impact the security environment in Australia, and it requires skilled investigators to look deeper to identify how subterranean the crime is, and who is really responsible.
“The AFP continues to be a world leader in foreign interference investigations and works closely with ASIO, our trusted and valued partner.”
ASIO’S Deputy Director-General for Intelligence Service Delivery, Claire McGuinness, noted that the matter is extremely serious.
“As the Director-General has stated, foreign interference can represent both a threat to life and a threat to our way of life,” Deputy Director-General McGuinness said.
“This case should put regimes perpetrating foreign interference on notice: we have zero tolerance. ASIO’s resolve is firm, and we will continue to work with our close partners to detect and counter attacks on Australia’s sovereignty.
“This achievement demonstrates the rigor, perseverance and agility of Australian agencies. I am immensely proud of ASIO’s outstanding contribution to this case.”
Since 2020, the AFP through the CFITF has now charged eight individuals with offences relating to espionage and foreign interference.
One Victorian man served two years and nine months’ imprisonment and was released in February 2025 (Operation Fruithof).
In March 2026, a NSW man was found guilty of reckless foreign interference and is awaiting sentencing (Op Bargara).
In July 2024, two Queensland individuals were charged with espionage-related offences and remain before court (Op Burgazada).
In August 2025, an ACT resident was charged with a foreign interference offence (Op Autumn Shield), with an additional two ACT based individuals charged in February 2026, and all remain before court.
The CFITF is Australia’s operational response to foreign interference threats. It includes intelligence, law enforcement and other government partners to identify, assess and respond to foreign interference activity targeting Australia’s sovereignty, national interests and democratic institutions.
The matters investigated by the CFITF may involve intelligence collection, disruption activities or criminal investigations, depending on the nature of the threat.
The AFP has developed a Foreign Interference in the Community factsheet to assist diaspora communities with identifying possible signs of foreign interference. The factsheet is available on the AFP website in more than 40 languages.
Anyone with information about foreign interference or related behaviour is urged to contact the National Security Hotline online or on 1800 123 400. Reports can be made anonymously and are passed to the appropriate intelligence or law enforcement agency for consideration.
