00:00Last night, the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force, which includes ASIO and the AFP,
00:06charged a dual Russian-Australian citizen with a foreign interference charge.
00:12That charge is attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference, which carries a maximum
00:19penalty of 20 years.
00:22It is alleged the man sought to collect and communicate information relating to Ukrainian
00:28military personnel, locations and operations for the benefit of the Russian Federation.
00:36In October 2024, the man travelled to Russia and allegedly undertook military-style training
00:43before returning to Australia in December 2024.
00:49In Australia, it is alleged the man maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected
00:55to Russian intelligence services.
00:59Investigators will allege the man then travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, where he joined the
01:05Ukrainian Armed Forces, gaining access to information relating to military personnel, units and locations.
01:14It is alleged he later provided or attempted to provide information obtained in Ukraine to
01:21individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services.
01:27It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military
01:34personnel.
01:36We allege elements of this offending occurred in Australia and offshore.
01:41At this stage, there is nothing to suggest there was or is any threat to Australia.
01:48So, again, I would say a long way to go in the investigation.
01:51I've mentioned that there were numerous search warrants that have been executed over the last
01:55few days, so, you know, it is a possibility that there could be further arrests.
02:01We've got a long way to go and, as I keep saying, these are very complex investigations.
02:07Permission of the Damage.
02:08Permission of the Damage.
02:08Permission of the Damage.
02:09Permission of the Damage.
02:09Permission of the Damage.
02:10Permission of the Damage.
