Bank Accounts and Home of Alleged Russian Spies Could Be Confiscated

The couple, who are in custody, could lose their Brisbane apartment and savings regardless of the outcome of the spying case.

Police officers arrest a suspect of an espionage case under Operation Burgazada in Brisbane, Australia. Courtesy of Australian Federal Police

The Russian-born Australian couple accused of espionage could lose their assets under a separate case brought by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under proceeds of crime law. At stake is their Brisbane apartment and all their savings.

Last month, Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor, 62, were charged with preparing an espionage offence over an alleged spying scheme targeting the defence department. They were the first people charged under a 2018 Australian national security law and have been in custody since their arrest.