File photo. Photo: 123RF
A Sydney businessman charged with selling Australian defence and security secrets to foreign spies will remain in custody after appearing in court today.
Alexander Csergo, 55, was arrested in Bondi on Friday following a joint ASIO and Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce investigation.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege an individual claiming to be from a think tank contacted Csergo via social media while he was overseas and arranged for him to meet with two representatives.
The AFP said the two people known to Csergo as "Ken" and "Evelyn" offered him payment for information about Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements as well as matters relating to other countries.
The man allegedly compiled reports for the officers, and received payment for them.
Police allege the two individuals were foreign intelligence officers.
"[They] offered the man money to obtain information about Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements, plus matters relating to other countries," AFP Assistant Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.
Other individuals who may have been approached by "Ken" and "Evelyn" are being urged by the AFP to contact the National Security Hotline.
Wearing silver-framed glasses, a black jacket and jeans, Csergo didn't apply for bail when he appeared at Parramatta Local Court via video link today.
If convicted, Csergo faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The matter has been adjourned until next Monday.
He is the second person charged by the task force since national security laws were passed in 2018.
- ABC