Highlights
- Husband charged with exit trafficking his wife
- Husband initiated divorce proceedings in Australia
- Wife has since returned to Australia
A 28-year-old husband from Darwin, Northern Territory allegedly deceived his wife into flying to India in February 2019, under the pretence of organising visas for travel to the United States.
The man did not travel to India and commenced divorce proceedings in January 2020.
It is alleged the husband provided false and misleading information to the Federal Circuit Court where he initiated the divorce proceedings.
The Australian Federal Police began investigations in March this year after a member of the public in Darwin reported the matter.
The man was arrested and he appeared at the Darwin Local Court on Friday charged with one count of trafficking in persons (exit from Australia) contrary to section 271.2(1A) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) for facilitating the exit of the woman from Australia to India through the use of deception.
The husband deceived the woman into flying to India in February 2019, under the pretense of organising visas for travel to the United States. Source: Australian Federal Police (AFP)
AFP detectives have also alleged the man stole more than $60,000 from her and other relatives.
It was also alleged in court the man was physically abusive to his 27-year-old wife and used coercion and threats to garnish her wages, access bank accounts and gain money from her family.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 years imprisonment.
A 28-year-old Darwin man appeared before Darwin Local Court for allegedly exit trafficking his wife to India in 2019 Source: Australian Federal Police (AFP)
“This is a reminder that forcing someone to leave Australia using coercion, threats or deception is an offence under our laws, and Commonwealth human trafficking offences and penalties apply,” Detective Superintendent Hudson said.
“Human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices are happening here in Australia and it is up to all of us to work together to protect people who are vulnerable to these exploitative crime types. If you or someone you know could be a victim of this crime type, please report it by calling 131 AFP (237).”
The woman has since returned to Australia and is receiving ongoing support from the AFP and Red Cross.
The man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear next in Darwin Local Court on Monday, 5 October 2020.
Where to seek Family and domestic violence support?
For an emergency, dial 000.
