Alleged Russian Spy Kira Korolev Known as ‘Well-Trained Actor and Moscow Theatre Director’ in Perth

It is being reported that alleged Russian spy Kira Korolev, known for her background as a well-trained actor and Moscow theatre director, has been found working in different roles across Australia.

In Brisbane, Korolev, aged 40, has been identified as an information systems technician with the Australian Army. However, in Western Australia, she is remembered for her theatrical contributions and her time as an international student.

Korolev and her husband, Igor, 62, were arrested on Friday and have appeared in court facing charges of preparing for an espionage offence. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that Korolev traveled to Russia while on leave from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and instructed her husband to log into her work account to send sensitive material to Russian authorities. Both remain in custody, with their cases adjourned until September.

Reports confirm that during the 2010s, Korolev, using the surname Karavaytseva, was known as a highly qualified theatre director and actor with numerous credits in Moscow. She promoted herself as such while studying in Australia. A former Perth theatre production company owner, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted Korolev’s application for an assistant director role for a play produced by Deckchair Theatre at Victoria Hall in Fremantle. Korolev was hired for the role and contributed to filming promotional videos and photographing the cast and crew.

“I only had nice things to say about Kira,” said the theatre owner. “She was a reliable team member and clearly had excellent skills in theatre. We didn’t have a personal relationship beyond our involvement in the production.”

Neighbors describe the couple as keeping to themselves, expressing surprise that their unit complex is now the focus of a national espionage investigation.

Korolev’s application letter for the theatre role, obtained by the ABC, reveals that she was an international student completing her master’s degree at Edith Cowan University in film and video at the time. In her application, she mentioned working on a final project, a documentary on experimental film exploring Peter Brook’s methodology with actors, based on Shakespeare’s Richard III.

Her resume, also obtained by the ABC, lists extensive qualifications in the arts, including a degree from the International Slavic Institute in Russia (2005-2007) and a degree in human resource management from a Russian state university. She detailed experience as an assistant director at Moscow Dramatic Theatre and other roles such as actor, photographer, promoter, and hostess at various events in Moscow.

Korolev’s goals included seeking interesting work opportunities, highlighting her specialization in directing and her desire for challenging work. She described herself as hardworking, honest, loyal, and attentive to details, with interests in tennis and proficiency in driving a manual car and speaking Russian.

Her application included a reference from Andrei Lubimov, an art director at the State Institution of Culture in Moscow, praising her creative contributions and strong sense of form and style in theatre productions.

The arrest of Kira and Igor Korolev has sparked significant attention, with Australian Federal Police charging them with allegedly spying on behalf of Russia. The investigation continues as the couple remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.