Chinese woman charged with ‘reckless foreign interference’
A Chinese national has been charged with reckless foreign interference, after she allegedly collected information on a Canberra Buddhist group.
A Chinese national has appeared in court in Canberra, charged with foreign interference offence.
The woman appeared in ACT Magistrates Court on Monday to face one count of reckless foreign interference, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
She was charged on Saturday after search warrants were executed in Canberra. The Australian Federal Police said the searches uncovered items such as including electronic devices that will be forensically examined.
The woman, whose name cannot be revealed, is also a permanent Australian resident.
She is accused of covertly collecting information about the Canberra branch of Buddhist association Guan Yin Citta on behalf of a foreign principal.
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It is the third time a foreign interference offence has been laid in Australia since laws were introduced by the Commonwealth in 2018, and the first time relating to alleged community interference.
A Victorian man was charged in November 2020, while a NSW man was charged in April 2023.
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said investigations continued and further charges had not been ruled out.
“Foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion,” he said.
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“As with other like-minded countries, Australia is not immune to foreign interference, and we should not expect that this arrest will prevent further attempts to target our diaspora communities.
He said offenders would continue to attempt to spy on individuals, groups and institutions in Australia
“One of the best defences to foreign interference is increased public awareness and reporting to authorities,” Nutt said.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said he was proud of the organisation’s significant contribution to the case.
“Foreign interference of the kind alleged is an appalling assault on Australian values, freedoms and sovereignty,” he said.
“In this year’s Annual Threat Assessment, I called out these types of activities and put perpetrators on notice by stating, ‘we are watching, and we have zero tolerance’.
“Anyone who thinks it is acceptable to monitor, intimidate and potentially repatriate members of our diaspora communities should never underestimate our capabilities and resolve.”
Individuals or community groups who feel they are the target of foreign interference are encouraged to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
