Alleged Chinese spy posed as recruiter for 'retired Australian police'
An ABC investigation has uncovered a sophisticated Chinese espionage network that used fake LinkedIn personas and fictitious security firms to target thousands of individuals globally, including Australian military and government personnel. The operation, which spanned from 2016 to 2025, attempted to recruit professionals to provide sensitive information under the guise of security consultancy work.
Why it matters
This report highlights the evolving nature of foreign interference and digital espionage, demonstrating how intelligence services exploit professional networking platforms to compromise national security and target Five Eyes alliance members.
An ABC investigation has identified "Sophy" as one of several personas used by an alleged Chinese spying network that targeted thousands of people worldwide between 2016 and 2025. ( ABC News )
A suspected Chinese spying network used a fictitious security firm, purportedly organised by three retired policemen, to target Australians and encourage them to share information.
ABC contacted the individuals in Shanghai whose phones had been used to target those Australians.
ASIO has openly warned about the threat of Chinese espionage online.
Link copied Share Share article Towards the start of COVID-19 in May 2020, Australian lawyer Henry* received a casual offer on LinkedIn.
"We are looking for Security expert consultant employment from Australia and Canada (part-time)," wrote someone using the name "Sophy".
The account claimed to represent Data 31, a security consultancy "organised by three retired Australian police officers" based in Shanghai.
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