Russian-Australian man charged over alleged foreign interference

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 04:14, 21 August 2026 | Updated: 04:14, 21 August 2026 A Russian-Australian man has been charged by federal police after allegedly attempting to engage in foreign interference.  After a Counter Foreign Interference Task Force investigation, the 27-year-old was arrested in Sumner, southwest Brisbane, on Thursday.  He was then charged with trying to engage in intentional foreign interference, according to Australian Federal Police. 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. 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.' A Russian-Australian man has been charged by federal police after allegedly attempting to engage in foreign interference (file image) Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.