A Sydney man, who allegedly took the passport of a woman known to him and left her stranded in Pakistan, appeared before Downing Centre Local Court today (8 October, 2026) charged with exit trafficking.
An AFP investigation began after receiving a report about a woman who was deceived into leaving Australia under the pretense of a holiday to Pakistan in early 2026.
The man, 35, allegedly obtained possession of the woman’s passport and identification documents prior to leaving Australia.
Once in Pakistan, he allegedly purchased a one-way return ticket to Australia for himself and did not disclose this to the woman.
A few days later, the woman was told she would stay in Pakistan permanently and the man would return to Australia.
It’s alleged the woman’s passport and identification documents were withheld, and she was prevented from returning to Australia.
A search warrant was executed at a Western Sydney home on 16 September, 2026, with AFP investigators 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 by using threat, deception or coercion, contrary to section 271.2(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The man was granted conditional bail to appear in court today.
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said exit trafficking was an insidious offence that carried maximum jail terms 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.
