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An Australian man has been charged with foreign interference after allegedly compiling a number of reports for spies working for another nation.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the 55-year-old man with one count of reckless foreign interference after an investigation sparked by ASIO, the nation's top spy agency.
The AFP alleges the man, who runs an overseas business and only recently returned to Australia, was approached via social media by a foreign agent claiming to be from a think tank who arranged for the Australian to meet with their representatives.
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The 55-year-old then met with two other alleged spies, who went by the names Ken and Evelyn, on multiple occasions.
The AFP alleges the spies offered to pay the man for information about Australian defence, national security arrangements, and the economy.
"It is alleged the Australian man compiled a number of reports for the individuals and received payment for those reports," AFP Assistant Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.
"The AFP will allege that 'Ken' and 'Evelyn' work for a foreign intelligence service and are undertaking intelligence collection activities."
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Barrett said the AFP believes other Australians have been contacted by the pair and urged anyone who has to reach out to the national security hotline.
"Espionage and foreign interference pose a serious threat to Australia's sovereignty, security and integrity of our national institutions," she said.
The Australian man was arrested in the Sydney suburb of Bondi today and is due to face court tomorrow.
If found guilty, he faces a maximum jail term of 15 years.
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