In a startling revelation, Australia's intelligence chief, Mike Burgess, has alleged that a former Australian politician "sold out" the country to a foreign spy network. The claims were made during Burgess's speech outlining the activities of a group dubbed the "A-Team," which he described as an aggressive and experienced foreign intelligence network.
According to Burgess, the former politician offered the spy network access to the then-prime minister's family, although specific details regarding the individual and the country they worked with were not disclosed. Burgess claimed that the plot had unfolded "several years ago" and has since rocked Canberra, sparking calls for the MP to be unmasked.
The disbanded A-Team, identified as a "priority target" by Australian authorities, operated covertly under various disguises, including consultants, head-hunters, and academics. They targeted a wide range of individuals, offering substantial financial incentives for reports on topics such as trade, politics, foreign policy, and defense. Notably, information on the Aukus defense pact was of particular interest to the spy network.
Burgess alleged that the most significant individual successfully cultivated and recruited by the foreign ring was the former Australian politician. He accused the politician of betraying their country, party, and former colleagues to advance the interests of the foreign regime. The plot even included a proposal to involve a prime minister's family member, although this scheme did not materialize.
Australian intelligence officials have disbanded the operations of the A-Team and helped "unaware" participants extract themselves from the network. Burgess emphasized the need for Australians to be aware of the real and immediate threat posed by espionage and foreign interference, urging vigilance.
The revelations come amid growing concerns over Chinese espionage in Australia, with Burgess warning of the broader threat posed by foreign interference. Notably, the first person to be found guilty under Australia's foreign interference laws was sentenced to prison for cultivating a relationship with a cabinet minister on behalf of the Chinese government.
While key government ministers expressed dismay over the allegations, they supported Burgess's decision not to identify the individual, citing the necessity of national security. However, former treasurer Joe Hockey and others have called for the MP to be identified, arguing that failure to do so would "besmirch" all politicians.