A 38-year-old Colombian national living in South Australia appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court (15 November 2024) on alleged charges of debt bondage and servitude, following a months-long investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The man, a Kilburn resident, is allegedly accused of subjecting a small group of Venezuelans to ongoing cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.
Police allege he manipulated members of a youth group he formerly led in Venezuela to migrate to Australia in 2015 and 2016, only to strip them of their freedom upon arrival.
According to AFP investigators, the man seized the victims’ passports, exerted strict daily control over their lives, and enforced unreasonable debt repayments. He allegedly monitored their movements, restricted their activities, controlled their earnings, and imposed compulsory daily chores.
Victims were reportedly isolated from friends and family, with their communications closely supervised or restricted.
In some instances, it is alleged the victims were locked out of their shared home or confined to cupboards for days at a time.
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam emphasised the impact of such servitude practices.
“Victims are significantly deprived of personal freedom in all aspects of their life, and threats, coercion or deception are often used against them.”
Detective Superintendent Adam added that offenders exploit vulnerable individuals who fear reporting their circumstances due to retribution, isolation, or financial dependence.
AFP officers arrested the man and searched his Kilburn property yesterday (14 November 2024), seizing electronic devices and documents as evidence.
The man faces two serious charges:
- Debt bondage (aggravated), cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
- Servitude (aggravated), cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The AFP has urged the public to be vigilant about slavery-like practices and report any suspicious activities.
If convicted, the man could face decades behind bars for what authorities describe as a grave breach of human rights.
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