Counter Terrorism Arrest

The Canberra Times

Australian Federal Police Commanders Stephen Nutt (Special Investigations, Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command) address the media following the arrest of a woman charged with reckless foreign interference under the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF). Video by Keegan Carroll

Transcript

00:00That appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court charged with one count of foreign interference

00:06or reckless foreign interference contrary to section 92.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995

00:14which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. The AFP charged the woman on

00:22Saturday 2nd of August 2025 after executing search warrants at premises in Canberra.

00:32The AFP has alleged the woman who is also an Australian permanent resident was tasked

00:39by China's Public Security Bureau to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch

00:47of the Guan Yin Sita, a Buddhist association. The AFP through the Counter Foreign Interference

00:54Task Force launched Operation Autumn Shield in March 2025 after receiving information from ASIO.

01:04We allege the activity was to support intelligence objectives of the China's Public Security Bureau.

01:12This is the first time the AFP has charged a person with foreign interference that allegedly involves

01:20targeting members of the Australian community. Foreign interference is a serious crime that

01:27undermines democracy and social cohesion. It is a crime carried out by or behalf of a foreign principle

01:36that involves covert and deceptive conduct or threats of serious harm or menacing demands.

01:46Foreign interference activity may be used to influence a political or government process,

01:54influence the exercise of an Australian democratic or political right, support the intelligence objectives

02:02of a foreign principle or prejudice national security. Australia is not immune to foreign interference

02:11and we should not expect that this arrest will prevent further attempts to target our diaspora communities.

02:18However, it is important to note that one of the best defences to foreign interference

02:25is increased community awareness to the threat and reporting of suspicious activity to authorities.

02:34The AFP and our partners are working closely with the diaspora communities

02:39and to help protect them from this criminality. But we need all Australians to be our eyes and ears

02:46and alert authorities if they see people being targeted. We will continue to educate the community

02:56about what foreign interference is, how communities can protect themselves and importantly encourage the public

03:04to contact authorities if they believe they are being targeted by those working for foreign principles.

03:12If anyone has information on this matter or information on people suspected of committing foreign interference,

03:20please contact the National Security Hotline on 1-800-123-400.

03:28I will now take questions but I am also aware that the ACT Magistrates Court issued a suppression

03:33order in this matter earlier today.

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