Russian-Australian accused of spying on Ukraine military fronts court
A Russian-Australian citizen who allegedly collected information from the Armed Forces of Ukraine while believing he was acting for Russia has appeared in court for the first time, as prosecutors reveal they are analysing evidence from 17 devices seized by police.
Vladimir Teslov, a 27-year-old from Victoria, appeared in a Brisbane court via video link on Friday, after he was arrested in August by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce.
He is accused of travelling to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training, before returning to Australia. In May 2025, he allegedly travelled to Ukraine to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Teslov is charged with attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett previously said the case was the first time a person with links to Russia had been charged with attempting to engage in foreign interference since laws were introduced in 2018.
On video in the Brisbane courtroom on Friday, Teslov sat with his arms crossed, and at times with his head down. When asked by magistrate Ross Mack if he had any questions, he answered: “No, your honour.”
The case against Teslov is that he allegedly intentionally engaged in the conduct believing he was acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Russian Federation, and that it would support their intelligence activities.
He is accused of committing the offences in Victoria, Ukraine and Russia.
Teslov’s alleged actions risked the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel, the Australian Federal Police said.
His lawyer on Friday sought for the brief of evidence to be ordered.
Commonwealth prosecutor Ellie McDonald told the court the first tranche of material for the brief was expected to be provided to Teslov’s defence by early December.
Mack asked how many tranches were expected. McDonald said she was unable to give an estimate, but that 17 devices had been seized and were part of the analysis.
The case was adjourned to December.
After Teslov’s arrest in Sumner, in Brisbane’s south-west, Barrett stressed there was no threat to Australia as a result of the alleged offending.
Brisbane homes in Sumner and Sinnamon Park were raided by police in August, alongside properties in the south-east Queensland area, including Springwood and Petrie Terrace.
Court documents show Teslov was listed as residing in Bentleigh, Victoria, and there was no occupation listed.
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