The director of Australia's intelligence agency said on Sunday that some friendly countries are leading a foreign interference operation in his country, adding that if the names of those countries were made public then people would be surprised.
Last year authorities in Canberra said Iran was involved in the meddling, apparently adding that intelligence services had managed to prevent “individuals” from carrying out surveillance operations at the home of an Iranian-Australian national.
“Also, other countries are secretly trying to interfere in Australia's political system and diaspora communities.” said Mike Burgess, director-general of Australian intelligence.
“At least three to four countries have been actively involved in foreign interference in Australia's diaspora community. Some countries would be surprised. Some are our friends.” he said during an interview with the public television network ABC.
He did not identify the other countries involved while confirming the government's suspicions of Iran's involvement.
