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According to the head of intelligence in Australia, a former politician betrayed their country by being recruited by a foreign intelligence agency.
The unidentified politician focused on Australia’s defense industry and attempted to obtain details about the Aukus alliance with the UK and US, according to Mike Burgess, the director-general of security for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
During his yearly risk evaluation speech on Wednesday in Canberra, Mr. Burgess stated that they were faced with a foreign espionage operation and notified them that their cover had been exposed.
The MP granted the “A Team”, who were foreign spies, access to the family of the former prime minister.
According to news.com.au, Alex Turnbull, the son of ex-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, alleged that he was a target of presumed Chinese agents while involved in a development venture.
“It was incredibly audacious,” stated Mr Turnbull in an interview, “My response was to show disinterest and promptly report the information to the proper authorities.”
Mr. Burgess did not reveal the name of the country responsible for the espionage efforts, but mentioned that a former politician from Australia was successfully recruited and influenced by a foreign spy agency some years back.
He stated that the spies pretend to be consultants, head-hunters, officials in the local government, academics, and researchers for think tanks. They claim to represent made-up companies.
Frequently, they present their objectives with consulting prospects, guaranteeing to compensate substantial amounts of money for evaluations on Australia’s commerce, government, finances, international relations, defense, and safety.
The retired politician’s alleged act of espionage has caused concern in Canberra, with many urging the spy agency to disclose their identity.
He labeled the A Team as a foreign intelligence network that was skilled and assertive, with Australia as its main focus.
The former Australian government official stated that he hasn’t been arrested and is no longer associated with the organization. He also mentioned that the group’s activities have been ceased.
“This politician betrayed their country, party, and former colleagues in order to further the agenda of a foreign government. At one point, they even suggested involving a family member of the prime minister in covert operations,” he stated.
Luckily, that plan was not put into action, but other proposals were.
It has been mentioned that a Chinese cyber espionage team, identified as Volt Typhoon by the US and Australia, has been targeting crucial infrastructure in the West. According to Mr. Burgess, a foreign government is conducting scans and attacks on water, transportation, and energy networks in Australia and other nations.
He stated that the government in question is not currently plotting to cause intentional harm, but is instead attempting to obtain continuous and unnoticed entry, which could potentially enable them to carry out sabotage at a later time. The country responsible was not disclosed.
The Chinese foreign ministry has denied any allegations of hacking, stating that they are unfounded and highly irresponsible.
Source: independent.co.uk
