The AFP alleges the Australian man was contacted by two foreign individuals, to whom he sold information regarding Australia’s defence, economic and national security arrangements, plus matters regarding other countries. Source: Australian Federal Police
A NSW man, 55, was charged late last week with a foreign interference offence by the AFP, after ASIO established an investigation by Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce.
The Australian man, who normally lives and operates a business overseas, recently returned to the country, and was arrested at a Bondi residence in Sydney on Friday, April 14th.
The Australian national, he appeared before Parramatta Local Court on April 15th, facing one count of Reckless Foreign Interference. He faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The AFP allege the Australian man was contacted by a supposed representative of a think tank via social media while the man was offshore, and made arrangements for him to meet with two individuals.
Allegedly, there were several occasions where the man met with the two individuals, known to him as ‘Ken’ and ‘Evelyn’, who offered him money for information about Australia’s defence, economic and national security arrangements, plus matters regarding other countries.
The man then allegedly created multiple reports for ‘Ken’ and ‘Evelyn’, for which he received payment.
The Australian man is now the second person charged by the Taskforce since the federal government passed the National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill in 2018.
The AFP allege that ‘Ken’ and ‘Evelyn’ were undertaking intelligence collection activities for a foreign intelligence service, but did not suggest what nation may be.
The AFP believe that ‘Ken’ and ‘Evelyn’ may have contacted other Australian citizens, and is urging those citizens to provide information to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
In February, the AFP launched a campaign to combat foreign interference within Australian communities.
The AFP notes that both espionage and foreign interference are a “serious threat to Australia’s sovereignty, security and integrity of our national institutions.”
The Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce works to disrupt the threat and reduce harm from espionage and foreign interference. The taskforce includes both the AFP and ASIO.
The AFP’s full statement can be found here.
