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Two Australians charged with spying offences for allegedly conspiring to share ADF secrets with Russia (www.abc.net.au)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

In short: Two Russian-born Australians have been charged with spying offences, the first time the new laws have been used.

The couple allegedly conspired to send sensitive Australian Defence Force material to Russian authorities.

What's next? Police say further spying charges could be laid as Operation BURGAZADA continues.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Australia is full of ex-pats and dual citizens. Half of us were born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas.

These guys are an anomaly. They certainly aren't the norm.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

There is a difference being born overseas to our enemies or to our allies. Surely the checks should be different.

China and Russia would seem to be a bigger risk for espionage. We already share with USA, UK and others.

Like, if you said there were two spies born in Luxembourg that were stealing Defence documents, it would be unusual and wed question why. 2 Russians (who are also Australian). Less of a surprise. Why are the Defence forces surprised?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Enemies isn't the right word. Australia is not at war and has no enemies. Countries with interests that conflict with ours maybe?

You probably have a point regarding risks and checks. On the other hand: while Russians aren't that common, one in 20 Australians are of Chinese descent. That's a lot of people to cast suspicions on without more evidence than 'Chinese ancestry'. Hell, our minister for foreign affairs is of Chinese descent.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Non allies then. Or countries with goals in conflict with ours.

Chines ancestry is not the same as being a Chinese citizen. They already check for many things, when assessing whether you are suitable for access to secrets. Sounds like it might be more tick the box than actual checks.

My partner is in Defence. I know people of many nationalities that serve. I was surprised it was allowed, initially but it makes sense in the context of Australian people being born overseas commonly. I'm also Australian with dual citizenship. I would consider myself more if a risk than my kids, for instance. I wouldn't betray Australia and love life here. However if my family were threatened that might change things. That's not uncommon in China or Russia from my understanding.