1 month ago
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January 27, 2026 — 5:25pm
An Australian soldier accused of spying for Russia will seek to be released from custody as she awaits trial over an espionage related offence.
Kira Korolev, 41, who was in the Australian Army, was arrested alongside her labourer partner, Igor Korolev, in 2024 at their home in Everton Park on Brisbane’s northside.
The Australia Federal Police allege the former information systems technician, who held an ADF security clearance, travelled to Russia undeclared while on long-term leave from the army in 2023.
While she was away, it is alleged she told Igor how to log into her official work account from their Brisbane home to gain access to material on defence computer systems to send to Russia.
Ms Korolev had served in the army for years, and regularly documented her life on film, narrating Russian-language videos about Australian beaches and the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger, and sharing photos of outback pubs and the sights of Canberra.
The case triggered national concerns over foreign interference as the pair were charged with preparing to carry out an act of espionage.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard Ms Korolev’s legal team had filed an application for bail.
Her lawyer, Alan Phillips, told the court that given the complexity of the case, a half-day hearing – expected to proceed in the Magistrates Court – would be allocated for the application in March.
Phillips said his client had not previously applied for bail in the Magistrates Court.
Commonwealth prosecutor Ellie McDonald said bail would be opposed in the application, which was expected to return to court on March 31.
At previous hearings, the court was told a large volume of the material was in Russian and required interpretation, with Ms Korolev’s barrister raising concerns about the delays.
Ms Korolev has been in custody for about 18 months.
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