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AFP launches formal probe into China spy claims

The Australian Federal Police has launched a formal investigation into claims Chinese intelligence services attempted to interfere with the Australian government.

The AFP will seek to interview self-proclaimed Chinese spy Wang Liqiang who first raised the allegations and is believed to be in hiding in Sydney.

In a separate case, the death of a Melbourne businessman was linked to an alleged plot by Beijing to insert an agent into Australia's federal parliament.

Bo Zhao was allegedly approached by a Chinese businessman in 2018, who offered him $1 million to run in the federal seat of Chisholm.

Four months later, he was found dead in a motel room.

His death is now the subject of a Coronial inquest.

Image: Getty

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