Foreign Intelligence Agencies Plotting Assassinations in Australia, ASIO Chief Warns

Australia’s domestic security agency has thwarted multiple assassination attempts by foreign intelligence services targeting dissidents, activists, and critics of authoritarian regimes living in the country, according to ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess.

In his Annual Threat Assessment, Burgess confirmed that at least three separate foreign governments had attempted to physically harm individuals on Australian soil or lure them into deadly traps overseas. These operations reflect a growing global trend of transnational repression, where regimes attempt to silence critics abroad through intimidation, kidnappings, and assassinations.

---

Foreign Assassination Plots in Australia

Burgess provided chilling details of these failed assassination plots, emphasizing that in some cases, ASIO feared for the lives of the intended targets.

Lured into a Deadly Trap

In one case, a foreign intelligence service attempted to lure an Australia-based human rights activist to a third country, where agents were waiting to stage an ‘accident’ that would result in serious injury or death.

• ASIO intervened in time, preventing the activist from traveling and exposing the plot before it could be executed.
• The identity of the foreign state was not disclosed, but the method bears a striking resemblance to past operations attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which has carried out similar schemes to eliminate critics.

Murder Plots on Australian Soil

In another case, intelligence indicated that a different hostile foreign intelligence service had been preparing to harm or possibly kill multiple individuals inside Australia.

• This targeting was part of a broader international effort by the foreign government to eliminate its critics worldwide, including journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who have spoken out against its policies.
• ASIO, working with international intelligence partners, disrupted the operation, but the extent of the network remains unclear.

Global Trend of Transnational Repression

The FBI has repeatedly warned about the rise of transnational repression, identifying China and Iran as the most aggressive state actors engaging in these operations.

• China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has been accused of targeting Chinese dissidents abroad, using threats, intimidation, and surveillance to force critics into silence or compliance.
• Iran’s IRGC has conducted multiple kidnapping and assassination attempts against exiled political opponents, activists, and journalists.
• Other regimes, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, have also been implicated in brazen extrajudicial killings and abductions of dissidents abroad.

With Australia now directly in the crosshairs, ASIO is ramping up counterintelligence efforts to protect at-risk individuals and thwart foreign operations on Australian soil.

---

Foreign Election Interference: ASIO’s Warning Ahead of Federal Elections

Australia is set to hold its federal elections in May 2025, a period ASIO describes as high-risk for foreign interference.

Burgess warned that:

• Foreign regimes may attempt to influence Australia’s elections by pressuring diaspora communities, controlling foreign-language media, or spreading disinformation on social media.
• State-backed actors could use cyber warfare and covert operations to manipulate public opinion or sway the election outcome.
• ASIO has already established specialist teams working with the Electoral Commission and other agencies to monitor and counter threats.

A Clear Warning to Foreign Interference Actors

Burgess delivered a direct warning to foreign intelligence agencies:

“We will be watching. If a foreign regime tries to meddle in the election … we will know. And we will act.”

Given previous allegations of foreign interference in elections worldwide, ASIO’s proactive stance suggests a heightened awareness of the risks posed by authoritarian governments attempting to expand their influence beyond their borders.

---

AUKUS Targeted: Foreign Espionage Threat Intensifies

ASIO is also bracing for increased espionage efforts aimed at Australia’s defense partnerships, particularly AUKUS—the trilateral military alliance between Australia, the U.S., and the U.K.

• China and other adversarial states are believed to be actively trying to steal intelligence and military secrets tied to the AUKUS pact.
• Burgess revealed that Australian defense personnel have already been targeted, both online and in person, by foreign intelligence operatives seeking sensitive information.
• In one shocking example, some Australian officials were gifted items containing concealed surveillance devices—a clear attempt at covert intelligence gathering.

ASIO’s Message to Foreign Spies

Burgess issued a strong warning to any foreign intelligence service attempting to infiltrate or exploit AUKUS:

“We will see you. And you will be dealt with.”

The AUKUS agreement, which includes the development of nuclear-powered submarines and advanced defense technology, has raised alarm among adversarial nations, making it a prime target for espionage efforts.

---

Australia Faces “Extreme Levels” of Espionage and Foreign Interference

Burgess stressed that espionage threats against Australia are at an all-time high, warning that:

• More Australians are being recruited or pressured into spying for foreign states.
• Intelligence agencies from multiple countries are actively operating inside Australia, attempting to compromise officials, infiltrate institutions, and steal national security secrets.
• Espionage and foreign interference efforts will only intensify in the coming years.

This warning aligns with ASIO’s 2023 annual report, which previously noted that foreign intelligence activity in Australia was at levels not seen since the Cold War.

---

ASIO Acknowledges the Role of Human Intelligence (HUMINT)

In his speech, Burgess highlighted the critical role of human sources (HUMINT) in modern intelligence work.

• Human informants remain one of the most valuable assets in counterintelligence, capable of uncovering plots and preventing attacks.
• ASIO relies on deep-cover human sources, who work for months or even decades to identify and disrupt foreign espionage networks.
• To honor the contributions and sacrifices of these operatives, ASIO announced plans to install a permanent plaque at its Canberra headquarters.

“A well-placed, well-motivated human source can provide intelligence no machine or algorithm ever could.”

ASIO’s continued reliance on HUMINT suggests that while technology plays an increasing role in security operations, human intelligence remains irreplaceable in combating espionage and transnational repression.

---

The Bottom Line: Australia at a Crossroads

Australia is now a frontline battleground in the global fight against espionage, foreign interference, and transnational repression.

Key Takeaways from ASIO’s Threat Assessment:

✅ Foreign governments are actively trying to assassinate dissidents in Australia
✅ Attempts to manipulate Australia’s elections will not be tolerated
✅ AUKUS and Australia’s defense sector are high-priority targets for foreign spies
✅ Espionage activity is at its highest levels in decades
✅ ASIO is ramping up intelligence operations to combat these growing threats

With threats escalating from multiple foreign actors, ASIO’s aggressive countermeasures send a clear message: Australia will not allow foreign regimes to operate unchecked on its soil.

---

---

Help us bring real change! Corporate lobbying has corrupted our system for too long, and it’s time to take action. Please sign and share this petition—your support is crucial in restoring accountability to our government. Every signature counts! Thank you!

---

---

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/restore-our-republic-end-lobbying

---

---

---

Support truth, health, and preparedness by shopping the Alex Jones Store through our link. Every purchase helps sustain independent voices and earns us a 10% share to fuel our mission. Shop now and make a difference!

https://thealexjonesstore.com?sca_ref=7730615.EU54Mw6oyLATer7a

---