AFP swoops on Bondi man in major arrest over ‘Ken and Evelyn’ spy ring
AFP officers take the alleged foreign-intelligence source into custody. Photo: AFP
An Australian man who allegedly sold state secrets to foreign spies calling themselves “Ken” and “Evelyn” has been charged with espionage offences.
The 55-year-old was arrested on Friday when the Australian Federal Police swooped on a home in Bondi in Sydney’s east.
News Corp has identified him as businessman Alexander Csergo.
The Australian national is only the second person charged by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce since new laws came into effect in 2018.
The man allegedly compiled reports on defence, economic and national security for Ken and Evelyn.
The nationality of the foreign intelligence agents has not been released, although media reports have said the alleged intelligence operatives were operating on behalf of China.
Social media recruitment
The man operates a business overseas where he usually lives and only recently returned to Australia, the AFP said.
The AFP alleges he was approached by an individual over social media who organised for him to meet with representatives.
He is alleged to have met with “Ken” and “Evelyn” on a number of occasions. The AFP said the duo worked for a foreign service and were collecting intelligence.
The AFP said Ken and Evelyn offered the man money to obtain information on Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements, in addition to matters relating to other countries.
He allegedly compiled a number of reports and was paid for doing so.
How many more moles?
The AFP believe Ken and Evelyn may also have approached other Australian citizens or residents and is urging for them to come forward.
Assistant Commissioner Krissy Barrett thanked individuals who provide information to the national security hotline.
“We know making those calls can be daunting, but I assure you that we never take for granted the support we receive from the public,” Ms Barrett said in a statement released on Friday.
The man has been charged with one count of reckless foreign interference and will face Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
If found guilty he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars.
