Man allegedly sold Australia’s national security information

A Sydney businessman accused of selling Australia’s national security and defence information to alleged overseas spies has appeared in court for the first time.

A Sydney man charged with selling Australia’s national security information to alleged overseas spies will apply to be released from custody on Monday.

Alexander Csergo on Saturday morning appeared in Parramatta Bail Court after being arrested in Bondi on Friday.

The AFP alleges the 55-year-old was contacted by an individual, purporting to be from a think tank, via social media while he was overseas and made arrangements for him to meet with their representatives.

Sydney businessman Alexander Csergo has been charged with selling information about Australia’s national security and defence arrangements. Picture: Supplied.

He allegedly met with two people known as “Ken” and “Evelyn” who offered the man money to obtain information about Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements.

Police say Mr Csergo received payment after compiling a number of reports.

According to court documents, he is alleged to have provided the information over a two-year period from February 2021 until April 2023 in Shanghai and NSW.

The AFP claim “Ken” and “Evelyn” work for a foreign intelligence service and are undertaking intelligence collection activities.

Alexander Csergo was arrested at Bondi on Friday. Picture: AFP/Supplied.

Mr Csergo, dressed in a grey Nike zip-up hoodie and glasses, appeared in court via video link from a police cell on Saturday morning.

He did not apply for bail.

But solicitor Conor McCraith, appearing for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, told the court that Mr Csergo will make a release application in the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.

On his LinkedIn account, Mr Csergo lists his job title as “Heading Innovation & Transformation for a Smarter Sustainable World”.

He also describes himself as a “multi award-winning integrated communications, technology infrastructure, business strategy & operational transformation specialist.”

The 55-year-old claims “large scale data”, “predictive analytics” and artificial intelligence are his areas of expertise.

Sydney businessman Alexander Csergo appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday. Picture: Supplied.,

He also lists his place of business as Shanghai.

The businessman has been charged with one count of reckless foreign interference, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

The AFP said it was believed that more people in Australia had been approached by “Ken” and “Evelyn”.

The AFP urges anyone who has been approached by those individuals to provide information to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

Originally published as Man allegedly sold Australia’s national security information