A Chinese woman has been charged after police alleged she was sent to gather information from an Australian association.

The woman, who is also an Australian permanent resident, was arrested on Saturday after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed search warrants at homes in Canberra.

The investigation began in March after a tip-off from Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

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During the searches, several items — including electronic devices — were seized.

Police allege the woman was tasked by China’s Public Security Bureau to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist association.

She has been charged with reckless foreign interference and faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.

This is the first time the AFP has charged someone with foreign interference involving a community group, rather than the political or academic sectors.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the woman’s conduct was covert, deceptive, and undisclosed to those being monitored.

“There was covert and deceptive conduct about collecting information on the Buddhist group, acting in concert or collaboration with a person from China’s Public Security Bureau,” he told reporters on Monday.

While it remains unclear how the information was intended to be used, Nutt described the case as a threat to democracy, social cohesion, and national sovereignty.

“Foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion,” he said.

“Foreign interference activity may be used to influence a political or government process, influence the exercise of an Australian democratic or political right, support the intelligence objectives of a foreign principle, or prejudice national security. “

Nutt said the investigation is ongoing and further charges have not been ruled out, with police planning more arrests.

This is the third time a foreign interference offence has been laid in Australia since the Commonwealth introduced new laws in 2018.

A Victorian man was charged in November 2020, while a NSW man was charged in April 2023.

“As with other like-minded countries, Australia is not immune to foreign interference, and we should not expect that this arrest will prevent further attempts to target our diaspora communities,” Nutt said.

“At a time of permanent regional contest, offenders will attempt to spy on individuals, groups and institutions in Australia.

“That’s why the AFP and our partners will continue to educate the community about what foreign interference is, how communities can protect themselves, and importantly, encourage the public to contact authorities if they believe they are being targeted by those working for foreign entities.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warned those targeting diaspora communities not to underestimate Australia’s national security agencies.

“Anyone who thinks it is acceptable to monitor, intimidate and potentially repatriate members of our diaspora communities should never underestimate our capabilities and resolve,” he said.

A factsheet on foreign interference is available in more than 40 languages on the AFP website.

It explains what foreign interference is, how it manifests, and what individuals can do if they believe they are being threatened or intimidated by foreign governments.

Members of the public who feel threatened should contact their local police on 131 444, or in an emergency or life-threatening situation, call triple-0 immediately.

Individuals or community groups who feel they are the target of foreign interference are encouraged to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.