Sydney businessman accused of foreign interference tells court police evidence contains ‘exaggerations’

Judge denies Alexander Csergo bail during hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre on Friday

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A Sydney businessman alleged to have been an agent for Chinese state intelligence has told a court there are “numerous exaggerations” in the police version of evidence presented against him.

Alexander Csergo, charged with one count of reckless foreign interference, is alleged to have swapped reports on business and politics with two Chinese handlers, known to him only by the anglicised names “Ken” and “Evelyn”, in exchange for envelopes of cash.

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