Arabic version: حسابات على لينكدإن استهدفت مسؤولين أستراليين، بحسب ABC

According to ABC News, two LinkedIn accounts linked to suspected Chinese spies approached dozens of Australians in government, policing and trade, offering paid consultancy work in exchange for advice. The accounts, which presented themselves as think tank representatives, were part of the alleged network that contacted businessman Alexander Csergo.

ABC reported that, between 2016 and 2025, the alleged spies targeted more than 100 people linked to Australia. Those approached included people whose profiles listed roles at Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Investment NSW, Invest Victoria and Tourism Australia. Former Queensland premier and current opposition leader Steven Miles was connected to one account in April 2021 while deputy premier, though ABC said it had seen no messages between him and the account and understood he did not respond.

The Australian Federal Police obtained LinkedIn records during its investigation into Csergo and alleged China’s Ministry of State Security used fake profiles to cultivate potential foreign sources before seeking information. China’s embassy in Canberra rejected the claims as “entirely groundless” and said it opposed “unwarranted accusations and vilification against China”. ASIO said it does not comment on or confirm investigations.

Csergo was convicted in March of reckless foreign interference and last month was sentenced to three years and six months in jail. The prosecution case said he met two people after a LinkedIn approach, prepared reports and received cash payments. Chinese intelligence expert Nicholas Eftimiades described large-scale online outreach as a “fundamental shift” in tradecraft, while former US federal prosecutor Vikas Didwania said LinkedIn could help intelligence services identify and cultivate potential sources over time.