By Martin Cole-
An Australian national has been arrested for allegedly being a spy after collecting and sharing information about Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements with individuals who work for a foreign intelligence service.
The 55-year-old Australian national who normally lives overseas, was arrested at a residence in the Sydney suburb of Bondi on Friday, the Australian federal police said in a statement. The unnamed man operates a business overseas and recently returned to the country, the AFP said.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
He is due to appear in court on Saturday on one count of reckless foreign interference, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars.
He allegedly met with two people known as “Ken” and “Evelyn” who offered the man money to obtain information about Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements, plus matters relating to other countries.
Police say he compiled a number of reports for the individuals and received payment for those reports.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
The AFP will allege “Ken” and “Evelyn” work for a foreign intelligence service and are undertaking intelligence collection activities.
He is charged with one count of reckless foreign interference, contrarty to section 92.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
It’s believed that more people in Australia have been approached by “Ken” and “Evelyn”.
Australian officials in February said they had removed a network of dangerous spies in the country who had approached reporters online and in person and also judicial figures in an attempt to steal sensitive information that would enable them to target the country maliciously.
Head of Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Mike Burgess, said journalists and commentators had been contacted by spies using diplomatic or journalistic cover,
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar