‘Hive of spies’ trying to steal sensitive information removed from Australia, ASIO chief says

Asio chief Mike Burgess says his agency detected and disrupted a major spy network that ‘used sophisticated tradecraft to try to disguise their activities’. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Australian security officials say they have “removed from the country” a major spy network – including some members working undercover for years – that was trying to steal sensitive information.

Mike Burgess, the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, boasted of the removal of what he called a “hive of spies” as he declared his agency was taking a “more aggressive counterespionage posture”.