Russian-Australian charged with passing Ukraine intel to Russia

Australian authorities have charged a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference for allegedly attempting to pass information about Ukrainian military operations to individuals linked to Russian intelligence. The man, identified in court documents as Vladimir Teslov, was arrested on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the Brisbane suburb of Sumner and is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, August 21.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that Teslov traveled to Russia in October 2024, where he underwent military-style training. After returning to Australia in December 2024, he allegedly maintained contact with people he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services. In May 2025, he traveled to Ukraine and enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. During his service, authorities say he gained access to sensitive information regarding military personnel, units, locations, and operations.

Police allege that Teslov then provided, or attempted to provide, some of this information to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence. The AFP stated that this conduct created a risk to the safety and...