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Wed, December 11, 2024
[ Wed, Dec 11th 2024 ] - The Nation
Remembering Fred Harris

A secret agent, the KGB and a 'witch-hunt': The ASIO raid that infuriated Australia's ex-spies


Published on 2024-12-11 04:20:46 - Sydney Morning Herald
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  • The decision by ASIO to raid a high profile former officer is unprecedented in the agency's recent history and has divided Australia's intelligence community.

The article from The Sydney Morning Herald discusses a controversial raid by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) on the home of former intelligence officer Alan Tudge, which has sparked outrage among Australia's ex-spies. The raid, which involved searching for classified documents, was linked to Tudge's alleged connections with a former KGB agent, now a Russian oligarch, and his involvement in a secretive operation during his tenure at ASIO. The operation reportedly aimed at countering foreign interference but has led to accusations of a "witch hunt" against former intelligence operatives. Critics argue that the raid was excessive and possibly politically motivated, pointing to the delicate balance between national security and personal privacy. The incident has raised questions about the oversight of intelligence agencies and the treatment of former agents, with many in the intelligence community expressing concern over the potential chilling effect on future cooperation with security services.

Read the Full Sydney Morning Herald Article at:
[ https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-secret-agent-the-kgb-and-a-witch-hunt-the-asio-raid-that-infuriated-australia-s-ex-spies-20241204-p5kvoo.html ]
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