ASIO vs. ABC: Broadcaster Stands Firm on Bondi Investigation Despite Spy Agency's Criticism
February 9, 2026 — 12:57 PM
In a strikingly rare public announcement, ASIO has voiced significant apprehensions regarding the accuracy of an ABC investigation into the tragic Bondi massacre that is set to be aired on Four Corners this coming Monday night. They have not only expressed their concerns but also warned that they may take further action if the investigation broadcasts any false assertions.
The statement, released on Sunday evening, alleges that the ABC's report partly relies on an "unreliable and disgruntled" informant, claiming this source incorrectly identified one of the alleged shooters, a 24-year-old named Naveed Akram, and muddled some of his actions just prior to the attack with those of another individual.
However, the ABC is resolutely standing behind its investigative piece, asserting that it was built on rigorous reporting and multiple sources that thoroughly examined the actions taken by the Akrams leading up to the tragic event.
ASIO, which has yet to view the episode, explained that their ability to address inquiries from Four Corners was limited because they did not want to jeopardize the ongoing royal commission into antisemitism or interfere with the criminal proceedings against Akram.
Naveed Akram faces charges related to the murder of 15 individuals during the December 14 attack, where his father, Sajid Akram, who is believed to be a co-conspirator, was shot and killed by police forces.
The first segment of the two-part Four Corners investigation was conducted by reporter Mark Willacy and aired last week, providing personal accounts from witnesses present during the attack. The upcoming second segment, led by reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, promises to delve into "the hidden lives of the terrorists, revealing astonishing new details about the years leading up to the attack," as per the ABC’s description.
In its statement, ASIO indicated that it had previously investigated Naveed Akram in 2019 using its most sensitive capabilities, concluding at that time that he neither adhered to nor intended to engage in violent extremism. They reiterated their stance based on the intelligence available to them, emphasizing that the claims made by Four Corners contain substantial factual inaccuracies.
Furthermore, ASIO warned that if the ABC decides to publish claims without solid evidence to back them up, they reserve the right to pursue additional actions.
The Bondi royal commission is mandated to submit its first report by April, focusing on whether Australia's intelligence and law enforcement agencies were as effective as possible in preventing the attack, how they collaborated, and whether they faced any legal obstacles.
According to ASIO, the ABC's source has a history of making false statements, and the agency dismissed earlier claims suggesting that Naveed Akram was closely linked to terrorist networks.
"The allegations presented by Four Corners were previously scrutinized and deemed unsubstantiated," ASIO stated.
They further clarified, "The ABC's informant misidentified Naveed Akram. This means that the source attributed remarks and actions to him that were actually executed by an entirely different person. To clarify, Four Corners' source wrongly identified Naveed Akram, thus rendering the associated allegations false."
An ABC spokesperson defended the program, highlighting it as a thorough examination of the events leading up to what is considered the most devastating terrorist attack in Australia’s history.
"Four Corners interviewed numerous individuals and provided various sources of information for a comprehensive understanding of the Akrams’ actions and connections prior to the Bondi attack," the spokesperson said.
They added, "Detailed inquiries were posed to ASIO, and their responses have been incorporated into the story. The public will have the chance to view the entire investigation tonight."
Rubinsztein-Dunlop chose not to provide comment.
ASIO also dismissed anticipated accusations from the ABC regarding understaffing and suggestions that layoffs at the intelligence agency in 2020 might have somehow contributed to their failure to avert the tragedy.
The agency labeled the notion that any staffing decisions could have heightened the risk of the Bondi attack as "false, irresponsible, and indicative of a profound misunderstanding of ASIO’s prioritization strategies and ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts."
"Tragically, ASIO was unaware of what the Bondi attack perpetrators were planning—or even if they were planning anything at all," it stated.
Given the nature of the questions posed by the ABC and the previous instances of reporter Rubinsztein-Dunlop broadcasting inaccurate claims about ASIO and the Akrams, ASIO expressed serious concerns regarding the forthcoming story's credibility.
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Calum Jaspan is a media writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, based in Melbourne. He can be reached securely via Signal @calumjaspan.10, or connect with him through X or email.
