A dual Russian-Australian citizen has been charged by Australian police for allegedly attempting to share Ukrainian military intelligence with individuals he believed were Russian agents. Vladimir Teslov, 27, appeared in court on Friday after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged him with attempted foreign interference, an offence carrying a 20-year prison sentence.
According to police, Teslov travelled to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training and later joined the Ukrainian armed forces in May last year. During his time in Ukraine, he accessed information about military personnel, units, and locations, which he allegedly attempted to share with suspected Russian intelligence officials in Australia and overseas.
The AFP’s investigation, codenamed Operation Woodcreeper, began in June this year. Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that Teslov’s actions created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel. Teslov was arrested on Thursday, and several properties in Brisbane were searched, with multiple devices seized.
Barrett emphasized that the investigation was complex, but Teslov was not suspected to have posed any direct threat to Australia. She also clarified that there was no known connection between Teslov and a Russian-born couple, Kira and Igor Korolev, who were charged with espionage offences in 2024. The AFP is working with domestic and international partners, and further arrests are possible.
The Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has also issued a statement, with Deputy Director-General Claire McGuinness warning that foreign interference can represent a threat to life and Australia’s way of life. McGuinness emphasized that ASIO has zero tolerance for foreign interference and will continue to work with partners to detect and counter attacks on Australia’s sovereignty.
Teslov was refused bail in the Brisbane magistrates court and is set to appear again on 2 October. The Russian embassy in Canberra has stated that it learned of the case through media reports and is currently seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the charges.
