A Russian-Australian man has been charged by federal police after allegedly attempting to engage in foreign interference on Ukraine for Russia. 

After a Counter Foreign Interference Task Force investigation, the 27-year-old was arrested in Sumner and Sinnamon Park in Brisbane, on Thursday. 

He was then charged with trying to engage in intentional foreign interference, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years for those found guilty.

While he was found in Queensland, it is understood the man is a Victorian resident. 

He is scheduled to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

‘It is alleged the man sought to collect and communicate information relating to Ukrainian military personnel, locations, and operations for the benefit of the Russian Federation,’ ​AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters.

‘In October 2024, the man travelled to Russia and allegedly undertook military-style training before returning to Australia in December 2024.

‘In Australia, it is alleged the man maintained contact with individuals he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services.’ 

A Russian-Australian man has been charged by federal police after allegedly attempting to engage in foreign interference (file image)

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said it is alleged the man allegedly travelled to Russia and undertook military-style training in October 2024

Commissioner Barrett said investigators will allege the man then traveled to Ukraine in May 2025, where he joined the Ukrainian armed forces.

He allegedly gained access to information relating to military personnel, units, and locations. 

‘It is alleged he later provided or attempted to provide information obtained in Ukraine to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services,’ she said. 

‘It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel. We allege elements of this offending occurred in Australia and offshore. 

‘At this stage, there is nothing to suggest there was or is any threat to Australia.’ 

This is the first time the Counter Foreign Inference Task Force has charged a Russian-linked individual with attempting to engage in foreign interference since new laws were introduced in 2018.

A further three search warrants were executed on Friday at properties in Springwood and Petrie Terrace, and on an individual at Saint Lucia. 

A number of electronic devices and items relevant to the investigation were seized on Thursday, which will undergo extensive forensic examinations.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, foreign interference is when other countries try to secretly get involved with decisions and other matters in Australia. 

‘They might be dishonest, use unfair power or hide their actions,’ the government website says.

‘It can harm Australia’s freedom and go against what’s best for our country.’