The AFP is urging communities across Australia to remain vigilant against foreign interference and report any suspicious or unusual activity.
The reminder follows the conviction and imprisonment of a second person for foreign interference offences in Australian courts last month.
Foreign interference occurs when governments of other countries, or those acting on its behalf, try to harm Australia to advance their own interests. Acts of foreign interference can involve attempts to covertly interfere with Australia’s political or social landscape or by threatening members of diaspora communities in Australia.
When activities are targeted against specific communities, this form of foreign interference, which is known internationally as transnational repression, can involve threats, intimidation or pressure directed or funded by foreign governments, with the aim of silencing dissidents and undermining Australia’s multicultural way of life.
The AFP is aware foreign state actors are actively undertaking foreign interference targeting Australians.
The activities are often deliberate, patient and designed to appear routine, with individuals targeted because of their professional experience, access, or networks.
These behaviours may constitute foreign interference if it is linked to a foreign government or its proxy, and designed to silence, coerce or intimidate people in Australia, or to cause harm to Australia’s rights, freedoms and security. This undermines our social cohesion and democratic values.
The Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFITF) – comprising the AFP and ASIO, with support from AUSTRAC, Australian Signals Directorate, Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Defence, and Office of National Intelligence – is a key part of the Australian Government’s approach to identifying, investigating and disrupting foreign interference activities.
Since 2018, the AFP has charged eight people with foreign interference offences, with two convicted to date, including a Sydney businessman, 58, who was sentenced at the NSW District Court on 10 September 2026 and a Melbourne man, then aged 68, sentenced at the County Court of Victoria in February 2024. Four remain before the courts and one served a prison sentence.
The AFP’s Community Liaison Teams play a crucial role in supporting diaspora communities, providing guidance on how foreign interference can present — including coercion, intimidation, threats or attempts to influence community activities on behalf of a foreign state. The teams work closely with local organisations, faith groups and community leaders to strengthen resilience, build awareness and promote social cohesion.
The AFP investigates credible reports of foreign interference and works to disrupt harmful activities by foreign governments. While much of this work occurs out of public view, the community can be confident in the taskforce’s strong commitment to keeping Australians safe.
AFP Commander Matthew Gale said the one of the best defences against foreign interference was increased community awareness and the reporting of suspicious behaviour.
“Our message is simple: everyone in Australia deserves to live free from threats, coercion or pressure from any foreign government,” Commander Gale said.
“Most governments engage openly to diplomacy and influence, which is legitimate. But when influence is exerted covertly, deceptively or through coercion to influence political processes, harm national security or threaten communities, it may reach the threshold of foreign interference.
“The AFP is committed to protecting everyone in Australia from this behaviour, and in collaboration with our partner agencies, will assess reports to determine the most appropriate response – you don’t need to make that judgement yourself.
“We want communities to know they are not alone and that support is available. If something doesn’t feel right, please tell us.”
Anyone with information about foreign interference or related behaviour is urged to contact the National Security Hotline (NSH) on 1800 123 400.
“We understand that reporting a matter of concern can be a big step. Your report may not result in a visible outcome, but please be assured that every report helps build a clearer picture of foreign interference in Australia, and informs investigations into concerning behaviour,” Commander Gale said.
“Reporting your concerns to the NSH is the best way you can help us do our job. Please do not air your concerns publicly through media and social media, as this compromise investigations and may place individuals at further risk.”
Importantly, individuals are reminded that if they feel their life is at imminent risk, they should call Triple Zero (000).
The AFP has developed a Foreign Interference in the Community factsheet to assist with diaspora communities identifying possible signs of foreign interference. The factsheet is available on the AFP website in more than 40 languages.
Community groups and representatives can contact the AFP community engagement teams at AFP-CLT@afp.gov.au to arrange for a meeting.