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Vladimir Teslov, a 27-year-old Russian-Australian from Victoria, appeared in a Brisbane court via video link accused of attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference. Prosecutors are analysing evidence from 17 seized devices as the case proceeds.
Vladimir Teslov, a 27-year-old Russian-Australian from Victoria, appeared in a Brisbane court via video link on Friday for the first time since his arrest in August.
He is charged with attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference after allegedly collecting information from the Armed Forces of Ukraine while believing he was acting for Russia. Prosecutors revealed they are analysing evidence from 17 devices seized by police. Teslov was arrested by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce. Police raided homes in Sumner and Sinnamon Park in Brisbane in August, alongside properties in the south-east Queensland area including Springwood and Petrie Terrace.
Teslov's Travel To Russia And Ukraine
Court documents show Teslov was listed as residing in Bentleigh, Victoria, with no occupation listed. The case alleges Teslov travelled 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. He is accused of committing the offences in Victoria, Ukraine and Russia.
The prosecution case is that Teslov 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. The Australian Federal Police said his alleged actions risked the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel.
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. 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. On video in the Brisbane courtroom on Friday, Teslov sat with his arms crossed, and at times with his head down.
Prosecutors To Provide Brief Of Evidence
When asked by magistrate Ross Mack if he had any questions, he answered: No, your honour. Mack asked how many tranches of material were expected in the brief. 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.
McDonald said she was unable to give an estimate of how many tranches would be needed, but confirmed that 17 devices had been seized and were part of the analysis. The matter remains before the court as prosecutors continue to examine the seized devices and prepare the brief of evidence for Teslov's defence.
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brisbanetimes:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
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