First Trial Under Australia's Foreign Interference Laws Underway

Businessman Di Sanh Duong Denies Allegations of Attempting to Influence Government Minister with Donation

Melbourne businessman Di Sanh Duong, 68, is the first person to be charged under Australia's foreign interference laws, facing a potential 10-year prison sentence if convicted.
The case centers on a donation to the Royal Melbourne Hospital's pandemic response, made via a novelty check handed to then-Cabinet minister Alan Tudge.
The donation, amounting to 37,450 Australian dollars, was raised from Melbourne's local Chinese diaspora.
Duong's defense denies allegations that he attempted to influence Tudge with the check or that he had been recruited by or collaborated with anyone associated with the Chinese Communist Party.
Prosecutors allege Duong had secret links to global efforts to advance the interests of the Chinese Communist Party, but emphasize the case is about influence, not espionage.