Alexander Csergo, an Australian citizen who had lived abroad before moving back to Australia, was detained for allegedly selling classified information to a foreign intelligence agency, according to the police. Let’s see about it in detail.
Who is Alexander Csergo?
Alexander Csergo, an Australian citizen accused of engaging in foreign influence, had his case postponed in Sydney until Monday.
Alexander Csergo, a 55-year-old businessman who usually resides abroad, was detained on Friday in the Bondi neighborhood of Sydney for allegedly exchanging information with people who work for a foreign intelligence agency, according to a statement from the Australian federal police.
On Saturday morning, Mr. Csergo appeared in court via a video connection from a police cell while wearing a grey Nike zip-up hoodie and spectacles. He didn’t request bail.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions’ attorney, Conor McCraith, however, informed the court that Mr. Csergo will submit a release application before the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.
He will make a second appearance on Monday to make a bail application.
Since the federal parliament enacted the Espionage and Foreign Interference statute in 2018, he is the second individual the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce has prosecuted.
According to Csero’s LinkedIn profile, he has spent the last 20 years working in China in the fields of marketing, corporate strategy, and communications. His resume lists his credentials as a “multi award-winning integrated communications, technology infrastructure, business strategy, and operational transformation specialist” with degrees in marketing, information technology, psychology, and information technology.
Neighbor’s statement:
After returning from China, Csergo and his elderly mother have been residing in Bondi, according to a neighbour who asked to remain unnamed.
Csergo, who was raised in Sydney’s east and went to Waverley College, according to the neighbour, was “working constantly” abroad.
They said: “His mother has been here forever, ever since she moved to Sydney. He grew up here.”
Another neighbour reported that Csergo’s mother was quite upset over his detention.
She said: “It is distressing for all of us; I am in total shock, As far as I knew, he is in advertising.”
On Monday, Csergo will submit a bail application at the Downing Centre.
Australian federal police statement:
The AFP claims that Csergo, which has offices in Shanghai, China, New South Wales, and other locations, was approached via social media by a person posing as an official from a thinktank. According to reports, Csergo met with two people he knew “Ken” and “Evelyn” who reportedly promised him money in exchange for information regarding Australian defence, economic, and national security policies as well as international affairs.
The AFP claims that between about 1 February 2021 and 14 April 2023, Csergo put together several reports for them and received payment for those reports. According to the authorities, “Ken” and “Evelyn” are engaged in gathering intelligence while working for a foreign intelligence agency.
He worked for Telstra, Cellarmasters, and the Hyatt Hotels Corporation before moving to China. The AFP alleged that “Ken” and “Evelyn” may have also contacted other Australian nationals and residents, and it requested anybody with information to come forward.
AFP said,
“Espionage and foreign interference pose a serious threat to Australia’s sovereignty, security and integrity of our national institutions,”
“The Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce, which includes Asio and the AFP, is working to disrupt the threat and mitigate the harm from foreign interference and espionage.“
The businessman is facing a single crime of reckless foreign interference, which carries a possible 15-year prison sentence.
According to the AFP, “Ken” and “Evelyn” are said to have approached other persons in Australia.
Anyone who has been contacted by those people is urged by the AFP to call the National Security Hotline at 1800 123 400 and provide any information they may have.
Countering foreign interference:
Australia’s sovereignty, security, and the integrity of our national institutions are being threatened by espionage and foreign influence.
As part of the Counter Foreign intervention Taskforce, which also consists of the AFP and ASIO, efforts are being made to eliminate the danger and lessen the damage caused by espionage and foreign intervention.
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