Australian Federal Police Urges Communities to Report Suspected Foreign Interference

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is urging communities across Australia to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to foreign interference, following recent court convictions for related offences.

According to the AFP, foreign interference occurs when foreign governments or their proxies attempt to covertly impact Australia's political and social landscape, or target diaspora communities through intimidation, threats, or pressure—a practice internationally referred to as transnational repression. The agency noted that these activities are often deliberate, patient, and designed to appear routine, targeting individuals based on their professional experience, access, or networks.

The Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF)—which includes the AFP, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), AUSTRAC, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Taxation Office, the Department of Defence, and the Office of National Intelligence—leads efforts to identify, investigate, and disrupt these activities.

Since 2018, the AFP has charged eight individuals with foreign interference offences. Two individuals have been convicted to date: a 58-year-old Sydney businessman sentenced in the NSW District Court, and a Melbourne man, then aged 68, sentenced in the County Court of Victoria in February 2024. Four cases remain before the courts, and one individual has served a prison sentence.

AFP Commander Matthew Gale stated that while legitimate diplomatic engagement is open, covert, deceptive, or coercive actions designed to influence political processes or threaten communities cross the threshold into foreign interference.

The AFP's Community Liaison Teams are actively working with local organisations, faith groups, and community leaders to build awareness and resilience against foreign interference. The AFP has also published a factsheet in over 40 languages to help diaspora communities identify signs of foreign interference.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding foreign interference to contact the National Security Hotline, while advising individuals facing imminent threats to contact Triple Zero (000).

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