A 29-year-old man from western Sydney apperaed before Burwood Local Court today on 25 September 2024, facing allegations of exit trafficking his wife to Pakistan.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched Operation Kisurra in November 2023 after a woman reported that her husband had abandoned her in Pakistan without documentation. The couple, along with their two children, had travelled overseas from Australia in July 2023.
According to the AFP, the man allegedly misled his wife about the purpose of the trip, telling her they were going to visit her family in Pakistan. After a holiday stop in Afghanistan, the family continued on to Pakistan. During their travels, the man reportedly retained control of the family’s tickets, passports, and other travel documents.
Once in Pakistan, the man allegedly informed his wife that he would be visiting friends in Afghanistan. However, in September 2023, the woman discovered that her husband had returned to Australia alone, leaving her and their children stranded.
The AFP, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), worked to ensure the safe return of the woman and her children to Australia.
A search warrant executed at the man’s Auburn residence resulted in the seizure of several items as evidence. The AFP arrested the man today and charged him with one count of exit trafficking a person from Australia by deception, under section 271.2(1A) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias described exit trafficking as a serious and often underreported crime.
“Exit trafficking can involve a person using coercion, deception, or threats to facilitate someone’s departure from Australia,” Detective Acting Inspector Tsardoulias said.
“No one has the right to force or deceive anyone into leaving Australia or to prevent them from returning against their will.”
Detective Acting Inspector Tsardoulias assured victims that the AFP is committed to their safety and well-being, handling each case with compassion and care.
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