The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) revealed on Tuesday that it had recently uncovered and dismantled a large-scale spying network, but did not specify which country the spies involved were collecting information on. Mike Burgess, ASIO’s chief security secretary, likened the disintegrating network to a “noisy hive” of intelligence agents. It was more densely populated and more dangerous than anything else in Australia Previously exposed spy group.
Although he did not provide the exact numbers, the Secretary-General said that the spies had received high-quality training because they used sophisticated techniques and methods to conceal their secret activities. Among these were the workers of embassies and consulates, as well as clients located in other regions. He added that the Australian counterintelligence “has removed them from the country in a secret and professional manner.”
Citing anonymous sources familiar with the details of the counterintelligence operation, The Sydney Morning Herald wrote on Friday that the Russian spies involved had been forced out of Australia in the past six months by having their visas revoked or not renewed. According to the newspaper, the authorities decided
They take action to avoid publicity because they fear publicly announcing the deportations could lead to retaliatory action from Moscow with Australian diplomats or In Russia against living Australian citizens.
ASIO’s press department has not officially confirmed that a Russian spy network has in fact been dismantled.
