'Not publicly visible': Most of AFP's espionage investigations kept hidden
Espionage and foreign interference represent "one of the most complex and evolving threats" to Australia's national security, but only two people have been sentenced in the past eight years.
Despite ASIO stating that espionage and foreign interference pose one of the most complex threats to Australia's national security, there have only been two convictions under current legislation in the past eight years. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson explained that the majority of their efforts to counter these threats remain hidden from public view.
ASIO and the Home Affairs department urge Australians to report suspected foreign interference to the national hotline. Intelligence agencies prefer to work discreetly to protect national security, often avoiding prosecution in favor of stopping the loss of information. In June, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess highlighted the rising trend of espionage and foreign interference cases, attributing it to a global power competition driving an insatiable desire for strategic advantage.
According to ASIO, espionage and foreign interference are at extreme levels in Australia, with only three individuals convicted since the new laws were introduced in 2018.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
