A Russian-born Australian army private and her husband have been arrested on espionage charges, accused of attempting to steal sensitive defence information. 

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the 40-year-old woman and her 62-year-old husband, a self-employed labourer, in Brisbane late last week. 

They were scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

The woman, who has worked as an information systems technician in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for several years, and her husband, who arrived in Australia about ten years ago, allegedly conspired to obtain sensitive information. 

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw says “the pair were working together to obtain the sensitive information”.

The AFP alleges that the woman travelled to Russia without declaring it to authorities while on long-term leave from the defence force in 2023. 

During this time, she allegedly coached her husband on how to access her official work account and instructed him to send specific information to her private email account. 

The nature of the documents accessed and her security clearance details have not been disclosed.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess addressed the security implications of the case, noting that “security clearance vetting wasn't a panacea” and that the vetting process alone cannot prevent such incidents. 

“Vetting is not a solution that stops problems,” Burgess said. 

“If you meet the requirements to get a security clearance you'll get a security clearance but that doesn't mean to say the security journey stops at this point.”

The Defence Department, in response to the allegations, stated that it takes all breaches of security seriously. 

“In response to serious allegations, it is general practice to suspend an ADF member from service, including immediately cancelling the member’s access to Defence bases and ICT systems,” the department said in a statement. 

The investigation, dubbed Operation BURGAZADA, is ongoing, with authorities working to determine whether the stolen information was transmitted to Russian authorities. 

The AFP has not identified any other individuals involved and stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The charges against the couple pertain to the preparation of an espionage offence, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. However, additional charges could be filed as more information becomes available. 

The more serious charge of espionage, which requires direct evidence of collaboration with a foreign state, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Burgess highlighted the reality of espionage in modern times.

“Espionage isn't some quaint, Cold War notion,” he said..

“Foreign intelligence services are capable, determined and patient, they play the long game. The problem for them is ASIO does too ... if you’re conducting espionage in this country, we will detect you and we will deal with you.”

Australian intelligence agencies have not disclosed which Russian agency the couple allegedly worked for or when they became aware of the alleged plot, citing the need to protect their operational capabilities.