An Australian Military Reservist has been arrested after allegedly working unauthorised as a drone operator for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The 25-year-old South Australian Military Reservist has been charged with breaching Defence laws after allegedly preventing in Ukraine and allegedly working for a overseas army with out authorisation, and was scheduled to face Adelaide Magistrates Courtroom on 7 April.
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Defence laws regulates the work sure people can carry out for a overseas army, authorities or firm with out authorisation.
“It’s alleged the Felixstow man travelled to Ukraine in Might 2025 to function a drone operator for the Armed Forces of Ukraine within the warfare with Russia with out authorisation. In January 2026, he returned to Australia,” in accordance with an announcement from the AFP.
“AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a house in Felixstow on Thursday (2 April 2026) and seized a number of digital gadgets, together with a cell phone and laptop computer. Forensic examination of the digital gadgets allegedly recognized photos linking the person to participation in a overseas battle.
“The person was charged with one rely of overseas work restricted particular person working for a overseas army organisation or authorities physique, opposite to part 115A of the Defence Act 1903 (Cth). The utmost penalty for this offence is 20 years’ imprisonment.”
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson stated the AFP labored carefully with its native, Commonwealth and worldwide companions to guard Australia’s pursuits. The electrical gadgets might be topic to additional AFP forensic evaluation.
Australian Aviation sister model Defence Join approached Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko for remark concerning the case.
“All Australian engagement with Ukraine’s defence should adhere to the necessities of Australian laws,” he stated.
Anybody with details about people with delicate Defence information desiring to work for a overseas army or authorities physique, or who’ve carried out so with out authorisation, ought to contact the Nationwide Safety Hotline (1800 123 400).
