Kira Korolev, a 40-year-old private in the Australian Defence Force, and her husband Igor, 62, have been charged with espionage for allegedly stealing sensitive Defence Force material to provide intelligence to the Kremlin.

The couple is accused of accessing, copying, and sharing classified information from the Department of Defence that pertains to Australia's national security.

The Commonwealth claims they had contact with affiliates of the Russian Federation Intelligence Services to provide the illegally obtained information.

Allegations include Ms. Korolev undertaking undeclared travel to Russia and instructing her husband to access her work account while she was on leave from the ADF.

Investigations are ongoing to determine if Kira joined the ADF with the intent to commit espionage or if the couple was recruited by Russian intelligence.

These espionage charges are the first under Australian legislation introduced in 2018, carrying potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

Both were charged on July 11 with preparing for an espionage offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Both the criminal case and the proceeds of crime proceedings are currently before the courts.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized the couple's assets, including their Brisbane apartment, under a confiscation order.

The Queensland Supreme Court issued restraining orders over the couple's properties, valued over $550,000, preventing them from disposing of or dealing with their assets without court authorization.

The couple is scheduled to appear in court again next month, with any confiscated funds to be managed by the Australian Financial Security Authority for law enforcement initiatives.

Amelia McDonald, acting commander of the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce, emphasized the importance of confiscating wealth from alleged criminals as part of law enforcement efforts.