The couple were likely to have been executed if they returned to the USSR. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) was aware of this and worked on getting Vladimir to defect. He did just that on 3 April 1954, without telling his wife.

The Soviets accused the Australian authorities of kidnapping Vladimir and sent agents to repatriate Evdokia but word got out, sparking public protests over what was seen as her forced removal. Prime Minister Robert Menzies then ordered her release as the plane transporting her back to the USSR stopped to refuel in Darwin, and Evdokia defected on 20 April 1954.

Following their defection, the couple were moved to various safe houses, including this property in the Sydney suburb of Avalon Beach.

The mysterious homes of real spies from the Novichok semi to MI6 safehouses