Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess disclosed that intelligence agencies from at least three countries have attempted to harm individuals residing in Australia. 

In his Annual Threat Assessment speech on Wednesday, Burgess said these plots include attempts to assassinate a human rights activist. The scheme involved deceiving the activist into traveling to a third country, where operatives intended to stage a fatal “accident.” 

According to Burgess, ASIO was able to intervene and prevent the target from traveling to the third country. 

While the foreign state was not named, the tactic had previously been used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to capture and ultimately execute Ruhollah Zam.

In another instance, ASIO uncovered a plot by a different foreign intelligence agency to harm or potentially kill individuals on Australian soil. Burgess said the operation was “part of a broader effort by the regime to eliminate critics of the foreign government around the world – activists, journalists, ordinary citizens.”

Through collaboration with international partners, ASIO disrupted the plan in its early stages, ensuring the safety of those targeted. 

Burgess noted that espionage and foreign interference have reached unprecedented levels and are projected to intensify through 2030. 

“My message to any foreign intelligence service targeting AUKUS is simple: where we see you attempting to conduct clandestine intelligence operations — and we will see you — you will be dealt with,” said Burgess.