Australia uncovers ‘hive’ of Russian spies posing as diplomats

Members of the network, who were quietly forced out of Australia, comprised purported embassy and consular staff using deep-cover identities

A report said there were concerns that publicly expelling the spies could lead to retaliation against Australians living in Russia

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Members of the Ukrainian community and their supporters hold a vigil to commemorate the first anniversary of the Russian invasion in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 3:50pm, 24 Feb 2023

A Russian spy ring posing as diplomats had been quietly expelled from Australia in recent months, a newspaper reported on Friday after an Australian security agency revealed a major counter-espionage success.

The spy ring comprised purported embassy and consular staff as well as other operatives using deep-cover identities, The Sydney Morning Herald reported, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the operation.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the nation’s main domestic spy agency, revealed on Tuesday it had “detected and disrupted a major spy network.” ASIO has not named the country responsible.

ASIO’s secretary general of security Mike Burgess described the network as a “hive” of spies because it was bigger and more dangerous than a “nest” of spies previously disrupted. Precise numbers have not been reported.

“Proxies and agents were recruited as part of a wider network. Among other malicious activities, they wanted to steal sensitive information,” Burgess said in ASIO’s annual report on threats posed to Australia.