Two Chinese nationals have been arrested in Canberra, accused of covertly gathering intelligence on a local Buddhist group and sending it back to China. This comes as part of a larger investigation into foreign interference, with one individual already charged and another facing charges of reckless foreign interference. The arrests were prompted by intelligence shared by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warns that foreign regimes are monitoring, harassing, and intimidating members of the Australian diaspora, and that increased community awareness and reporting of suspicious activity are crucial defenses against foreign interference. The charge of reckless foreign interference carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.
