Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Russian couple accused of spying in Australia

A 40-year-old woman and her husband are accused of trying to obtain defense secrets for Russia's sake, according to Australian police. The spy-suspected couple risks up to 15 years in prison.

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:05

» Published: 13 July 2024

Russian couple accused of spying in Australia
Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP/TT

A 40-year-old woman and her husband are accused of trying to access defense secrets on behalf of Russia, according to Australian police. The spy-suspected couple risks up to 15 years in prison.

The spy-suspected woman had previously worked within Australia's defense forces. It was during a trip to Russia, which the defense forces were not aware of, that she and her 62-year-old husband tried to access classified information, reports The Guardian.

The woman is said to have instructed her husband, who remained in Australia, to log in to her work computer from their home in Brisbane and send classified information to her in Russia. Australian police claim that the couple intended to provide the information to Russian authorities.

The two suspects have dual citizenship and have lived in Australia for several years. According to Australian police, the couple was arrested at their home in Brisbane earlier in the week. Russia's ambassador criticizes the allegations and writes on the X platform that the arrest will lead to "another wave of anti-Russian paranoia in Australia".

Now, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is hitting back, saying that Russia "lacks credibility". He accuses Russia of engaging in espionage "both here and around the world."

Albanese also takes the opportunity to criticize Russia for the ongoing war in Ukraine and urges the Kremlin to "stop interfering in other sovereign nations' internal affairs".

This is a country that has no respect for international law and should be treated with contempt, which is what I have for them, he says.

The Russian couple is the first to be accused under Australia's new espionage laws.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Israel buys new fighter jets from Boeing
1 MIN READ

Israel buys new fighter jets from Boeing

Israeli Attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon
1 MIN READ

Israeli Attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon

German opposition demands earlier no-confidence vote
2 MIN READ

German opposition demands earlier no-confidence vote

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration
1 MIN READ

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud
1 MIN READ

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall
2 MIN READ

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall

Two states are still counting their votes
1 MIN READ

Two states are still counting their votes

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now
3 MIN READ

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now

Struggle for Power in Congress
3 MIN READ

Struggle for Power in Congress

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"
1 MIN READ

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv
1 MIN READ

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok
2 MIN READ

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok

Melania Trump calls for unity
1 MIN READ

Melania Trump calls for unity

Zelensky: USA's leadership is crucial
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: USA's leadership is crucial

Biden praises Harris: "The best decision I made"
2 MIN READ

Biden praises Harris: "The best decision I made"

German Government Crisis – May Lead to New Elections
1 MIN READ

German Government Crisis – May Lead to New Elections

Joyful atmosphere at Trump's residence: "Life gets better"
3 MIN READ

Joyful atmosphere at Trump's residence: "Life gets better"

Charges against Trump may be dropped
1 MIN READ

Charges against Trump may be dropped

Harris: We Must Accept the Election Result
2 MIN READ

Harris: We Must Accept the Election Result

This is why Harris lost the election - in five points
3 MIN READ

This is why Harris lost the election - in five points