Australia: Indian 'Nest of Spies' Disrupted by ASIO

On 30 Apr, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that Indian spies had been ‘kicked out of Australia’ for trying to steal secrets about sensitive defense projects and airport security as well as classified information on Australia’s trade relationships. The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald also said two Indian spies were asked to leave. The so-called foreign ‘nest of spies’ disrupted by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2020 was also accused of closely monitoring Indians living in Australia, including the Sikh diaspora, and developing close relationships with current and former politicians (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 13, Story 4). ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess first alluded to the spy ring in his annual threat assessment delivered in 2021, but he did not disclose which country was behind the activity, saying to do so would be an unnecessary distraction. ‘The spies developed targeted relationships with current and former politicians, a foreign embassy and a state police service, Burgess said in his speech inside ASIO's Canberra headquarters. ‘They monitored their country's diaspora community.’ Burgess also detailed how the nest of spies cultivated and recruited an Australian govt. security clearance holder who had access to ‘sensitive details of defense technology.’ Australia has not confirmed or denied those reports but says it is keen to counter foreign interference. ‘I don't propose to get into those stories,’ Treasurer Jim Chalmers told the ABC on 1 May. ‘We have got a good relationship with India ... It's an important economic relationship. It's become closer in recent years as a consequence of efforts on both sides.’ Australia not denying the allegations may be characterized as their acceptance.