A 35-year-old Pakistani man has been charged with exit trafficking after allegedly deceiving a woman known to him into travelling to Pakistan, withholding her passport and leaving her stranded overseas.
The man appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on 8 October 2026 after an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) into allegations that the woman was tricked into leaving Australia in early 2026 under the pretence of a holiday.
Investigators allege the man took possession of the woman’s passport and identification documents before they left Sydney, Australia.
Once in Pakistan, he allegedly purchased a one-way return ticket to Australia for himself without informing the woman.
A few days later, the woman was allegedly told she would have to remain in Pakistan permanently while the man returned to Australia. Her passport and identification documents were allegedly withheld, preventing her from returning to Australia.
The AFP investigation began after a report was received about the woman’s circumstances.
On 16 September 2026, AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Western Sydney, seizing electronic devices, an airline ticket and identification documents.
The man was charged with one count of facilitating the exit of another person from Australia through threat, deception or coercion, contrary to section 271.2(1A) of the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said exit trafficking was an insidious offence carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment.
“Carrying out actions to force or deceive someone to leave Australia is a criminal offence, and the AFP will not hesitate to act and investigate these matters.”
Det Supt Needham said potential indicators included travelling without having one’s passport in their own possession, not having a return ticket or phone, and being unable to provide personal contact details on bookings.
The AFP urged anyone who suspected they or someone they knew had been a victim of exit trafficking to come forward.
Reports would be taken seriously and assessed appropriately, with victims able to receive support and assistance, the AFP said.
The man was granted conditional bail before appearing in court.
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