Former ASIO agent says Australians 'deserve to know' what led to Bondi attack

A former agent for Australia's domestic spy agency, ASIO, who goes by the codename Marcus, asserts he warned authorities about the individuals responsible for the Bondi terror attack years before it occurred. He now seeks to provide his insights directly to the Bondi royal commission in Australia.

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The victims of the Bondi terror attack and their families, and all Australians, deserve to know what led to those tragic events. I want to help.

Marcus, who previously worked as a paid source infiltrating extremist groups in western Sydney, had a falling out with ASIO. The agency has since labeled him a "disgruntled and unreliable source," a characterization Marcus disputes. He claims he personally knew the attackers, Sajid and Naveed Akram, and had raised concerns about their radicalization prior to the incident.

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When information about the perpetrators was first released, I felt sick, because I knew Sajid and Naveed Akram personally.

His initial attempt to obtain a visa to return to Australia was denied, with immigration authorities questioning his intent to leave. However, he has lodged a new application, supported by correspondence from the royal commission expressing interest in his testimony. Marcus argues that due to the sensitive nature of his information and security concerns, appearing in person in Australia is necessary for him to engage effectively with the investigation.

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Through my prior work, I had become close to Naveed and grown concerned about the apparent radicalisation of both Sajid and Naveed.

Living abroad in an undisclosed location, Marcus has expressed fears for his safety. Whistleblower advocacy groups have voiced support for his efforts to return and testify, emphasizing the public's right to understand the circumstances leading to the attack.

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Due to the sensitivity of the information I hold, security concerns, the need for legal protections and other factors, I have come to the view, informed by expert legal advice, that I need to come to Australia to engage with the royal commission in person.