ASIO Agent: Bondi Shooters Radicalised Years Ago, ABC Reports

Recent revelations from the ABC’s Four Corners program have cast a stark light on the years preceding the tragic Bondi beach terror attack, suggesting that the perpetrators, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, exhibited signs of radicalisation much earlier than previously understood. A former undercover agent, identified only as “Marcus,” has come forward with claims that he provided intelligence to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) detailing Naveed’s alleged associations with an Islamic State cell as far back as 2019.

This investigation aired despite a highly unusual pre-broadcast statement from Asio itself, which asserted the program contained “significant errors of fact” after reviewing detailed questions submitted by the ABC. Asio had previously assessed Naveed, who was then 17, concerning his alleged links to the group but ultimately concluded he did not pose an ongoing threat.

Asio’s Pre-emptive Concerns and the ABC’s Stance

Asio’s public intervention prior to the broadcast was unprecedented. The agency issued a stern warning, stating, “If the ABC chooses to publish claims it cannot substantiate – particularly ones it has been told are untrue – we will reserve our right to take further action.” Following the program’s airing, the ABC confirmed it had received no further communication from Asio, including any legal threats. Asio has declined to comment on potential future actions.

The head of the ABC, Managing Director Hugh Marks, was expected to face scrutiny at Senate estimates hearings, where the agency’s unusual pre-broadcast engagement was a key point of discussion.

The Undercover Agent’s Account

During the Four Corners broadcast, the former agent, “Marcus,” detailed his experience working undercover as a radical cleric. He claimed to have supplied Asio with specific information about Naveed’s involvement with an Islamic State cell. Asio has publicly dismissed these statements as “unsubstantiated.”

“What happened on Bondi beach was a result of a set of errors and a disregard for information,” Marcus stated on the program, questioning how individuals like Naveed could evade the scrutiny of Asio and Australian authorities.

Marcus also asserted that Sajid Akram had expressed support for the Islamic State when they met in 2019. The ABC’s reporting further indicated that Sajid had, on a separate occasion, conveyed admiration for a prominent al-Qaida propagandist. Reflecting on his 2019 encounter with Sajid, Marcus remarked, “After this conversation, I thought Sajid was more extremist than his son.”

A Pattern of Missed Warnings?

Adding to the complexity, a senior counter-terrorism official, speaking anonymously to the ABC, suggested that Sajid may have already been radicalised prior to meeting with Asio to discuss his son. This assessment raises further questions about the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and threat assessment processes.

Sajid Akram was killed by police during the attack on December 14th. His son, Naveed, is currently in custody, facing 59 charges in relation to the incident.

Asio’s Rebuttal and Marcus’s Denials

Before the Four Corners episode aired, Asio characterised Marcus as an unreliable and disgruntled former operative who had since left Australia after a dispute with the agency and was reportedly in hiding. Asio maintained that the claims made in the program had been investigated previously and found to be unsubstantiated. A significant point of contention is Asio’s assertion that Marcus “misidentified Naveed Akram.”

Marcus vehemently denies this accusation. “I strongly deny Asio’s allegation that I ever misidentified Naveed Akram, someone I met on a regular, face-to-face basis over many years,” he stated.

He has indicated his willingness to provide evidence to an upcoming royal commission, reiterating his claims that he reported to Asio that both Sajid and Naveed supported IS.

The Royal Commission and Public Scrutiny

The federal government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has announced a royal commission to investigate various aspects surrounding the Bondi attack. This includes examining the prevalence of antisemitism, law enforcement responses to it, the specific circumstances of the alleged attack, and strategies for strengthening social cohesion.

Reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, who led the seven-week investigation for Four Corners, highlighted that his reporting uncovered new information regarding the years leading up to the attack and questioned whether Asio’s assessment of Naveed as a non-threat was indeed the correct judgment.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie acknowledged the ABC’s reputation for reliable journalism but also expressed respect for Asio’s Director-General, Mike Burgess, suggesting that the ultimate truth of these competing claims remains an open question. He anticipates that the royal commission will provide a platform to scrutinise these “competing claims and counter claims.”