A South Australian Army reservist is to face court today (Tuesday) charged with fighting for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
The Felixstow man, 25, is to have appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Tuesday) charged with working for another foreign military without clearance.
The man was charged with one count of foreign work restricted individual working for a foreign military under section 115A of the Defence Act; the maximum penalty for a conviction is 20 years jail.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) says this is the first time that it has charged someone with this offence.
The agency says investigations began after they were alerted by the Australian Defence Force.
They will tell the court that the South Australian defendant travelled to Ukraine in May 2025 to serve as a drone operator for that country’s military in its war with Russia without approval; he returned to Australia in January.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAID
Defence laws prohibit some individuals from working for another military, government or company without approval, the AFP says.
Their investigators searched his Felixstow home last Thursday (April 2) and seized electronic devices such as a mobile phone and laptop.
The AFP will tell the court that their forensic examinations of the devices allegedly identified images that link the defendant to the Ukrainian war; the devices continue to be examined.
AFP VIGILANCE
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson says that they work closely with state, federal and international partners to protect the country’s interests at all times.
Anyone with information about individuals with sensitive Defence knowledge who intended to work for a foreign military or government, or who have done so without authorisation, should contact the national security hotline on 1800 123 400.
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