Australian federal police (AFP) have charged Vladimir Teslov, a 27-year-old dual Russian-Australian citizen, with attempted foreign interference. He appeared in court on Friday, 21 August 2026, and was refused bail.
Police allege that Mr Teslov travelled to Russia for military-style training in October 2024. He then allegedly maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services upon his return to Australia.
It is further alleged that in May last year, Mr Teslov travelled to Ukraine and joined its armed forces, where he accessed information related to military personnel, units, and locations. Police allege his attempts to share this information, made in Australia and overseas, created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that an investigation, codenamed Operation Woodcreeper, commenced in June this year. Mr Teslov was arrested on Thursday, with several properties in Brisbane searched and multiple devices seized. His case has been adjourned until 2 October.
The Russian embassy in Canberra stated it learned of the case through media reports and had not received official requests or notifications from Australian authorities or Mr Teslov.