Two further Chinese nationals have been charged by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF) for allegedly covertly collecting information about a Canberra Buddhist association on behalf of a foreign principal.
The pair - a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman - are expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (11 February, 2026), each charged with one count of reckless foreign interference, contrary to section 92.3(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.
The AFP, as part of the CFITF, began Operation Autumn-Shield in March, 2025, after receiving information from ASIO.
The investigation led to a number of search warrants in the ACT in July, 2025, and the arrest of a female Chinese national in August, 2025.
Further investigations resulted in the AFP arresting the man and woman earlier today (11 February, 2026).
The AFP will allege the pair worked with the woman charged in August, 2025, under the direction of a Public Security Bureau in China, to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association.
The pair are the fourth and fifth individuals charged with foreign interference offences since new laws were introduced by the Commonwealth in 2018. In investigations separate to Operation Autumn-Shield, a Victorian man was charged in November, 2020, and a NSW man was charged in April, 2023.
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion.
"Australia is not immune to foreign interference, and we should not expect this arrest will prevent further attempts to target our diaspora communities," Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
"This is why the role of the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force is so important in investigating individuals and disrupting activities that undermine our democracy and social cohesion.
"It is important to note, one of the best defences to foreign interference is increased community awareness of the threat and the reporting of suspicious activity to authorities.
"Members of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities are more likely to be victims of foreign interference or transnational repression than to be offenders.
"The AFP cannot be everywhere at all times, and we rely on information from the public to supplement our own intelligence gathering and investigative efforts.
"Anyone with information on individuals or groups suspected of committing foreign interference should contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400."
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said foreign interference remains one of Australia's principal security concerns.
"A complex, challenging and changing security environment is becoming more dynamic, diverse and degraded," Director-General Burgess said.
"Multiple foreign regimes are monitoring, harassing and intimidating members of our diaspora communities. This sort of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated."
A factsheet on foreign interference is available in more than 40 languages on the AFP website. The factsheet explains what foreign interference is, how it manifests, and what individuals can do if they believe they are being threatened or intimidated by foreign governments.
Members of the public who feel threatened should contact their local police on 131 444, or in an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Individuals or community groups who feel they are the target of foreign interference are encouraged to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
