Sydney man charged over allegedly stranding wife in Pakistan

Editor’s Note: Image of arrest available via Hightail

A Western Sydney man is due to appear in Burwood District Court today (September 25, 2024) on suspicion of trafficking his wife to Pakistan.

The AFP’s Eastern Command Human Trafficking Team launched Operation Kisurra in November 2023 after receiving a report from a woman who claimed her husband had left her undocumented in Pakistan after the family travelled abroad together from Australia.

The 29-year-old man allegedly misled the victim about the purpose of the trip, telling her they were going to Pakistan to see her family. The woman agreed to the trip, and the man, she and their two children flew to Afghanistan for a holiday in July 2023, before travelling on to Pakistan.

During the trip, the man is said to have had control of the family’s tickets, passports, visas and other travel documents.

The AFP alleges that after the family arrived in Pakistan, the man told the woman he was going back to Afghanistan to visit friends. However, in September 2023, the victim discovered he had returned to Australia alone.

The AFP worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to ensure the woman and her children could return to Australia safely.

During the investigation, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man’s home in Auburn, seizing several items as evidence.

The AFP arrested the man today (September 25, 2024) and charged him with one count of outbound trafficking by deception from Australia, contrary to section 271.2(1A) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offense is 12 years in prison.

AFP detective and acting inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias said exit trafficking is a devious and often underreported crime.

“Exit trafficking can involve someone using coercion, deception or a threat to organise or facilitate another person to leave Australia,” Detective Sergeant Superintendent Tsardoulias said.

“No one has the right to compel or deceive any person to leave Australia, or to prevent any person from returning against his will.

“We want victims to know that the AFP is here to help them and that their safety and well-being are our primary concern when we investigate these cases. Every case is treated with compassion and great care, and the needs of the victim always come first.”

If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or is at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP confidential online form. If you have immediate concerns about your safety, the safety of another person, or if there is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

The Support for Trafficked People Program is a key part of Australia’s approach to supporting victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices. It is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross.

If you or someone you know is being exploited, there is help available. For information and confidential advice, contact the Australian Red Cross via their website or call 1800 113 015.