Alexander Csergo, a Sydney man, Friday was arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for alleged foreign interference under a Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce Investigation, established in collaboration with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and introduced under the National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill. 

The AFP alleged “On a number of occasions the man met with two individuals, known to him as ‘Ken’ and ‘Evelyn’, who offered the man money to obtain information about Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements, plus matters relating to other countries.” Csergo is believed to have produced various reports including the requested details, and received payment for same. The AFP believes that Ken and Evelyn are involved in a foreign espionage service and are urging other Australians who may have been approached by them to report to the National Security Hotline.

Csergo appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and was charged with one count of reckless foreign interference, a direct breach to Section 92.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 and Australia’s sovereignty. He is the second Australian to be arrested and charged under the task force’s operation.