Ex-ASIO agent offers to give evidence to Bondi inquiry from abroad
The former agent, known as Marcus, worked with ASIO to infiltrate Islamic State networks in Western Sydney years before the attack.
A former ASIO agent, referred to as Marcus, has offered to provide testimony to the Bondi royal commission from abroad following two visa rejections to enter Australia. Marcus claims he had previously warned ASIO about the gunmen involved in the Bondi terror attack years before it took place. Initially seeking to give his evidence in Australia, Marcus is now willing to do so from overseas.
The former agent worked with ASIO to infiltrate Islamic State networks in Western Sydney prior to the attack. Marcus informed the ABC's Four Corners earlier this year that ASIO was warned about both Naveed and Sajid Akram in 2019, with the terror attack resulting from a series of errors and disregard for information. ASIO maintains its assessment from that time, labeling Marcus as "disgruntled and unreliable," which Marcus denies.
The former agent has been residing abroad and seeking a visa to return to Australia for onshore testimony due to the sensitivity of his evidence and protection gained by being in Australia. However, his visa applications have been rejected twice, citing concerns over his intention to stay temporarily. The royal commission, led by Commissioner Virginia Bell SC, has been in contact with Marcus's solicitors and DFAT to arrange for his remote testimony.
However, Bell states that the commission will not hold his testimony in open hearings due to the risk of prejudicing separate criminal proceedings, and Marcus has not yet accepted the commission's offer.
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