Australian authorities charge Chinese national with espionage on behalf of Beijing
Australian federal authorities have charged a Chinese national with “foreign interference,” suspected of involvement in espionage activities targeting a local Buddhist group on behalf of a Chinese security agency.
Police official Stephen Nett stated that investigations indicate the accused’s movements aimed to support intelligence operations for the Beijing Public Security Bureau.
The charge came after a series of raids conducted over the weekend targeting residences in Australia’s capital, Canberra. During these operations, police seized a number of electronic devices and items expected to undergo thorough forensic analysis.
It is noted that Australian law imposes severe penalties for “foreign interference” crimes, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years upon conviction.
