Australian Court Releases Communications in Alleged Chinese Espionage Case

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) have made progress in a foreign interference investigation known as “Operation Autumn-Shield.”

On February 19, 2026, an Australian court, citing public interest, released a series of key communications involving individuals accused of acting as Chinese spies. The case centers on three Chinese nationals — two women and one man — who are alleged to have secretly gathered and monitored information about members of the Canberra-based Buddhist organization Guan Yin Citta under the direction of China’s Ministry of Public Security (PSB).

The newly released materials include encrypted emails and text messages showing that the accused allegedly documented members’ personal details, event schedules, and political views, and reported this information back to Chinese authorities. A defense lawyer for one of the accused had sought to block the release of the documents on national security grounds, but the judge ruled that the content did not involve Australian military secrets and should be made public to uphold judicial transparency.