Today, a businessman from Australia who specializes in dealings with China appeared in court after being accused of interfering in domestic affairs.
On Friday, Alexander Csergo was detained in Sydney on suspicion of providing information to a foreign intelligence agency.
The 55-year-old, who has lived and worked in Shanghai, has a burgeoning online reputation as a communications, technology, and business expert.
According to the police, Csergo reportedly provided information on national security and economic policies as well as the Australian Defense Force.
Additionally, it is claimed that a party posing as a think tank approached him via social media.
According to the police, “Ken” and “Evelyn” promised Csergo money in exchange for passing along the information.
The AFP is of the opinion that the two were engaged in information gathering activities while employed by a foreign intelligence agency.
According to allegations, the Australian guy created a number of reports for the people and was paid for them, according to AFP assistant commissioner Krissy Barrett’s statement from yesterday.
The purported occurrence, according to international security expert Greg Barton, would be a “classic” case of espionage if verified.
International security analyst Greg Barton stated, “It does seem like a classic case of grooming (and) building trust… hoping to strike gold with someone who may not be that important but has connections that are important.”
According to Barrett, the foreign spies might have already spoken to other Australians or might do so in the future.
The AFP thinks Ken and Evelyn may have approached other Australian residents and nationals, she added.
On Saturday morning, Csergo appeared via video link in Parramatta Local Court.
It has been postponed until Monday in his case.
He might receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if proven guilty.
