Spy network focused on Australia's defense pacts with US, UK exposed

Burgess described the now-dismantled A-Team group as an "aggressive and experienced" foreign intelligence network that had identified Australia as a "priority target."

"The spies pose as consultants, head-hunters, local government officials, academics and think tank researchers, claiming to be from fictional companies," Burgess said.

The spy group had successfully recruited a local politician who offered access to the family of the then Prime Minister.

“This politician sold out their country, party and former colleagues to advance the interests of the foreign regime,” said Burgess. “At one point, the former politician even proposed bringing a prime minister's family member into the spies. Fortunately, that plot did not go ahead but other schemes did.”

The organization targeted a wide range of individuals—students, scholars, politicians, businessmen, law enforcement officers, and civil servants—offering thousands of dollars for reports on topics such as trade, politics, foreign policy, and defense. The information about the Aucus defense pact, signed by Australia with the UK and the U.S., was of particular interest.

It was previously reported that Australia plans to expand its naval fleet in response to the threat of China's military buildup in the Pacific region, aiming to have the largest navy since World War II.