Defence Recruitment Processes Brought Into Question Following Espionage Charges

The recent arrest of an Australian soldier and her husband on espionage charges has brought Australian Defence Force recruitment processes into question.

Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopters prepare to land at Townsville, during Exercise Brolga Run 23, in Australia, in May 10, 2023. LCPL Riley Blennerhassett/ADF via AP

The effectiveness of army vetting processes has been called into question after an Australian army private with access to classified files was arrested and charged with espionage on July 11.

Kira Korlev a 40-year-old soldier who worked as an information systems technician was arrested with her 62-year-old husband Igor Korlev over an alleged spying scheme targeted at the Defence Department.