Two Chinese nationals have been accused of foreign interference after allegedly gathering sensitive information about a Buddhist group in Canberra. The pair, a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, were arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in a joint operation with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). This comes on the heels of another Chinese national being charged with similar offenses just six months prior.
The AFP alleges that the suspects worked with a previously charged individual to gather intelligence on the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist organization. The information was reportedly intended for transmission back to China. The police have not disclosed the specific nature of the intelligence, but it is believed to be related to the group's activities and members.
The arrests were a result of intelligence shared by ASIO, which led to Operation Autumn-Shield. This operation involved the execution of search warrants in July and the arrest of the initial suspect in August. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that foreign regimes are exerting pressure on their citizens abroad, monitoring, harassing, and intimidating members of the diaspora.
Burgess warned that such behavior is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. He also highlighted the importance of community awareness and reporting suspicious activities to authorities as a defense against foreign interference. The charge of reckless foreign interference carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.
This incident raises concerns about the extent of foreign interference in Australia and the potential impact on national security. It also underscores the need for vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community to combat such activities.
