ASIO has given details of a foreign espionage plot involving an Australian politician. 

Mike Burgess, ASIO's Director-General, disclosed a former Australian politician's involvement with an international spy ring, known as the "A-Team," aimed at undermining national security.

The intelligence operation, outlined in Burgess's annual threat assessment, showcased the A-Team's efforts in masquerading as professionals across various sectors to infiltrate Australia's core institutions. 

Using fictitious identities and companies, including a fake entity known as “Data 31”, foreign agents lured Australian officials into their espionage activities, offering substantial sums for sensitive information on trade, politics, and defence.

This former politician, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been accused of betraying Australia's interests to favour a foreign regime. 

At one point, the individual even proposed connecting a prime minister's family member with the foreign spies, a scheme that was eventually thwarted. 

Burgess emphasised the gravity of such betrayal, saying; “This politician sold out their country, party and former colleagues to advance the interests of the foreign regime”.

ASIO says it neutralised this particular national security threat, with the politician severing ties with the foreign intelligence service and no longer considered a risk. 

“Personally, I don't think they'll be stupid enough to repeat what they've done in the past, so problem neutralised,” Burgess said.

But the A-Team's tactics extended beyond political espionage. 

They targeted Australia's defence industry, particularly individuals working on advanced military projects, seeking information on AUKUS, submarine technology, and missile systems. 

Burgess warned of the espionage threat's broad scope, urging Australians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

ASIO says its efforts to counter foreign interference have intensified, with more than 120 operations conducted by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce since its inception in 2020. 

The organisation also works to safeguard Australia's critical infrastructure from sabotage attempts by nation-states targeting water, transport, and energy networks.

In the context of global security, Burgess highlighted the Middle East conflict's impact on Australia, noting heightened community tensions but no evidence of Australians joining terrorist groups abroad. 

He acknowledged the persistent threat of religiously motivated violent extremism, with Sunni violent extremism posing the greatest risk.

Burgess concluded his assessment by stressing the importance of being discreet, particularly for defence industry staff, to prevent sensitive information from falling into the hands of foreign operatives.

The director-general’s address is available in full, here.