A 39-year-old man from New South Wales appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Wednesday after he was charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for a making a bomb threat in March earlier this year.
Sanjay Kalubhai Korat had allegedly made the threatening call using his mobile phone from his Newcastle home on March 26. He called Mumbai International Airport to report a bomb on board a flight from Mumbai to Singapore, confirmed the AFP.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear again in July.
Australian police were able to identify the man and location from where the call was placed, which resulted in Mr Korat’s arrest at the Sydney International Airport.
Image is for representation only. Source: AAP
He was charged with using a carriage service to make the threat, a serious offence under section 474.16 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The offence carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment of 10 years.
The incident caused significant disruption and delays to airlines and passengers in Singapore.
It also resulted in the deployment of the Republic of Singapore Air Force which was called into action to intercept said flight if needed.
AFP Airport Police Commander Superintendent Peter Mullins said that any threat to an airline is taken extremely seriously.
“A hoax threat is a serious matter that causes significant repercussions for the airline, airport, responding agencies and members of the public,” said Superintendent Mullins.
“The AFP works closely to ensure the safety of the traveling public at airports is maintained at all times.”
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