A 45-year-old man from southwest Sydney is due to face Liverpool Local Court today, charged with human trafficking and identity-fraud offences after allegedly leaving his wife and one-year-old child stranded in Pakistan.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say the man deceived his family into travelling with him to Pakistan in August 2024, then confiscated the child’s passport at the airport and returned alone to Australia.
The AFP’s Eastern Command Human Trafficking Team began investigating in February this year, after the woman managed to return to Australia and lodged a report. It is alleged that the man cancelled his wife’s Australian visa without her knowledge in November 2024 and retained their child’s travel documents, effectively preventing their return.
“The actions here amount to potential ‘exit-trafficking’ offences,” AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham said.
“Carrying out actions to force or encourage someone to travel overseas and then impede their ability to return to Australia is a serious criminal offence.
The AFP will not hesitate to act when we have evidence of criminal actions.”
On 11 June, investigators executed a search warrant at the man’s Australian home, seizing electronic devices and documents. He was later formally charged with two counts of trafficking a person from Australia by deception—each carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment—and one count of dealing with identification information via a carriage service, punishable by up to five years behind bars.
The AFP worked closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to secure the safe return of the child, an Australian citizen by birth. The agency has also reminded the public that exit-trafficking offences often occur within family settings and may go unreported.
“We encourage anyone who suspects they, or someone they know, has been a victim of exit trafficking to come forward,” Det A/Supt Needham added.
“All complaints will be taken seriously and assessed with dignity, and the AFP can help victims obtain the support they require.”
Members of the public who believe they or others may be at risk of modern slavery or human trafficking can contact the AFP on 131 AFP (237) or via the confidential online form. In emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000).
Support for victims is also available through the Australian Red Cross’s Support for Trafficked People Program at 1800 113 015.
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