Australia tells Russia to 'back off' after Kremlin criticizes espionage allegations

Russia has accused Australia of inciting “anti-Russian paranoia” in a case against a Russian-born couple suspected of spying for the Kremlin.

In a statement on Friday, the Russian Embassy in Australia said that local officials used “theatrical tricks” like “talking to imaginary Russian spies presumed to be all around.”

Earlier last week, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested in Brisbane Russia-born Australian Army Pvt. Kira Korolev and her husband Igor Korolev for allegedly attempting to access information related to Australian national security interests and handing it over to Russia.

If found guilty, the couple could face up to 15 years in prison. It is not yet clear whether the sensitive defense information was indeed provided to Russian authorities, as the case is still under investigation.

The Russian Embassy said it has asked Australian authorities about the status and situation of the suspects, who are currently in custody.

"We'll consider appropriate measures of consular assistance," the statement said.

In a comment to Russian state news agency RIA, the embassy said the espionage charges were aimed at “distracting Australians from the numerous failures of the policies of the ruling Labor Party.”

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told state news agency Tass that the Kremlin doesn’t possess any information about the alleged spies. “Yes, they are citizens of Russia, but they have permanently lived in Australia, so we do not have the details of this case,” he said.

Responding to Russia’s criticism, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters that Russia had "no credibility" after engaging in "espionage around the world" and asked the Kremlin to “back off.”

"This is a country that has no respect for international law and should be regarded with contempt, which is what I have for them," Albanese said.

Earlier last week, Mike Burgess, director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, said that espionage could have “catastrophic real-world consequences,” damage Australia’s economy and degrade its strategic advantage.

“If you are spying in this country, we are looking for you; if you are being spied on in this country, we are looking out for you,” he added.