An Australian court has found businessman Alexander Csergo guilty of secretly working with individuals believed to be linked to Chinese intelligence.

Prosecutors said Csergo gathered sensitive information about Australia’s economic and national security interests and passed it to contacts suspected of having connections to Chinese intelligence agencies. Investigators claimed he was recruited during trips to China, where he was allegedly encouraged to collect and share strategic information.

The case was brought under Australia’s strict foreign interference laws, which were introduced to combat espionage and covert influence operations targeting the country’s political and economic systems.

Authorities said the information Csergo attempted to obtain included details about trade policies, defense matters, and security issues that could potentially benefit foreign actors.

Security officials say the conviction highlights growing concerns in Australia about foreign interference and espionage activities. The case is expected to reinforce the government’s efforts to crack down on attempts by overseas networks to influence national interests.

Csergo now faces sentencing, with penalties that could include several years in prison under Australia’s national security legislation.