Espionage network posed as security firm to recruit Australian officials
An alleged Chinese spy operation used fake LinkedIn accounts and posed as a security firm to target Australians.
An alleged Chinese spy operation targeted thousands of people around the world. The operation used fake LinkedIn accounts and fake shell companies.
One fake person called Sophy worked as a recruiter for Data 31. Data 31 was a supposed security company run by retired Australian police officers based in Shanghai.
At least seven Australians were contacted in 2020. They included government officials, former military people, security experts, and trade department staff.
The fake accounts asked targets to write reports about world relations, money, and fighting terrorism. ABC got voice and text messages.
They linked the accounts to two people in Shanghai. One man, Alexander Csergo, was found guilty in March under Australia's foreign interference laws.
He is serving three and a half years in prison. There is no proof that any Australian shared classified information.
Why it mattersForeign intelligence services are trying to recruit Australians online. They target people with security or government work. They use fake qualifications and fake company fronts to seem real.
AustraliaAt least 60 Australians, including about 20 government officials, were targeted by this network. ASIO has warned publicly about the threat of Chinese espionage online and Australian authorities have contacted some people who were approached.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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