Alexander Csergo, 55, was arrested at his Bondi home on Friday after Australian Federal Police alleged he compiled a number of reports for foreign spies and was paid accordingly.
The Australian national will be permitted to apply for bail when his case comes before the Sydney Downing Centre courts on Monday, having not done so during a brief mention in a bail court on Saturday.
Police say a person purporting to be from a think tank approached Csergo over social media and organised for him to meet with representatives.
Csergo allegedly met with two individuals known as "Ken" and "Evelyn", who allegedly work for a foreign intelligence service and were collecting intelligence.
The AFP says the pair offered the 55-year-old money to obtain information on Australian defence, economic and national security arrangements, in addition to matters relating to other countries.
Csergo was charged on Friday with one count of reckless foreign interference. If convicted, he could face more than a decade in prison.
The AFP believe "Ken" and "Evelyn" may have also approached other Australian citizens or residents and is urging for them to come forward.
Assistant Commissioner Krissy Barrett thanked individuals who provided information to the national security hotline.
Csergo is the second person charged by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce since new laws came into effect in 2018.
12°C