Major update in case against accused Russian spies
<p>Accused Russian spies Kira and Igor Korolev have had their assets seized by the AFP as the investigation into their espionage-related offences continues. </p>
<p>Kira, an Australian Defence Force army private, and her husband became the first Australians to be charged with espionage since 2018 after allegedly working together to leak state secrets to Russia.</p>
<p>The couple were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/aussie-couple-arrested-and-charged-with-spying-for-russia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested</a> in July in their Brisbane home and were charged with one count each of preparing for an espionage offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.</p>
<p>Now, as the investigation into their activities continue, the AFP have sought an order to confiscate the apartment, assets and financed.</p>
<p>The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) is seeking to confiscate the married couple’s apartment and financial savings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Commonwealth).</p>
<p>Last Friday, the Queensland Supreme Court made restraining orders over property owned by the couple, valued in excess of $550,000.</p>
<p>The property subject to the restraining orders includes a Brisbane apartment owned by the couple, multiple bank accounts, and the superannuation funds acquired by Ms Korolev during her employment with the ADF.</p>
<p>According to authorities, Kira, 40, undertook non-declared travel to Russia while on leave from the ADF and instructed her 62-year-old husband Igor, who remained in Australia, to log into her work account from their Brisbane home.</p>
<p>The couple allegedly unlawfully accessed, copied and disseminated information from the Department of Defence computer systems that concerned the national security of Australia.</p>
<p>The couple have not entered pleas to the charge against them and remain in custody on remand, and are next scheduled to appear in court in September. </p>
<p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>
