Australian Spy Agency Thwarts Espionage Attempt by Chinese-Linked Academic

Beijing has been accused of intellectual property theft—on a sophisticated scale—“well beyond traditional espionage.”

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation ASIO Director General Mike Burgess prepearing for his annual speech at ASIO headquarters in Canberra, on March 17, 2021. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

An attempt by a Chinese academic to infiltrate a prestigious institution has been foiled by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

ASIO chief Mike Burgess made the revelation during a Five Eyes summit in California on Oct. 18, saying his intelligence agency “detected and disrupted” the plot in September.