Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor Korolev, 63, have been charged in Brisbane with preparing to commit espionage for Russia while living in Australia.

Both individuals are currently remanded in custody, with their case scheduled to return to court in December.

Prosecutor Ellie McDonald informed the court that investigators need additional time to analyze evidence from 12 electronic devices seized from the couple.

These devices were confiscated as part of an investigation linked to the couple's alleged espionage activities.

Court documents allege that Kira Korolev unlawfully provided her husband access to defense computer systems over a period from December 2022 to July 2024.

The couple is accused of collaborating to access and disseminate information concerning Australia's national security, including materials related to the Australian Defence Force.

The Commonwealth claims they intended to prepare for an offense to provide national security information to Russian intelligence.

The charges stem from allegations that they sent state secrets to Russia, particularly during Kira's employment with the Australian Army.

This case marks the first application of Australia's modernized espionage laws, enacted in 2018.

Kira Korolev has been suspended from her army position since her arrest, while Igor is self-employed; neither appeared in court during the latest session.

The Russian embassy has dismissed the charges as anti-Russian sentiment, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call for Russia to 'back off.'

Magistrate Peter Saggers has ordered that a complete brief of evidence be provided to the defense attorneys by December 13, with the next court date set for December 20.