After reportedly creating many reports for spies working for another country, an Australian citizen was charged with foreign interference.
After an inquiry launched by ASIO, the country’s top spy agency, the 55-year-old man was charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with one count of reckless foreign interference.
The individual, who runs a business overseas and has only recently moved back to Australia, allegedly received a social media contact from a foreign agent posing as a think tank representative who set up a meeting for the Australian to speak with their representatives.
The 55-year-old then repeatedly met with two more purported spies who went by the names of Ken and Evelyn.
According to the AFP, the spies allegedly offered to pay the individual in exchange for information regarding the economy, national security plans, and Australian military.
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.
The AFP will claim that “Ken” and “Evelyn” are engaged in intelligence gathering activities for a foreign intelligence service.
The two have made contact with Australians and asked anyone with concerns to call the national security hotline.
“Espionage and foreign interference pose a serious threat to Australia’s sovereignty, security, and integrity of our national institutions,” she declared.
The Australian man was detained today in the Bondi neighbourhood of Sydney and will appear in court tomorrow.
He could spend up to 15 years in jail if proven guilty.
