Woman Gets Charged with “Foreign Interference” in Australia

(MENAFN) Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies have accused a Chinese citizen, who also holds permanent residency in Australia, of committing a “foreign interference” offense in the capital city, Canberra.

The charges were announced on Monday in an official statement.

In a joint declaration by Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), authorities stated, “A Chinese national accused of covertly collecting information about a Canberra Buddhist association on behalf of a foreign principal has been charged.”

According to the same statement, “The AFP will allege the woman … tasked by a Public Security Bureau of China to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association.”

The authorities claim the operation was conducted in secret under directives from a Chinese state security agency.

The legal action followed police operations on Saturday, during which homes in Canberra were searched, and the suspect was apprehended by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF).

These raids reportedly uncovered evidence relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The woman appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, where she faced a single charge of “reckless foreign interference.”

This accusation is considered a grave criminal offense and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The statement also confirmed that “a number of items, including electronic devices, were seized and will undergo forensic examination,” as authorities proceed with their inquiry.

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