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A 35-year-old man has been charged with human trafficking after he allegedly convinced his wife to leave Australia under false pretences and then cancelled her visa.
In September 2024, the man and his wife travelled to India for the birth of the couple’s child. While in India, the man allegedly told his wife he was going back to Australia for work but would return for the birth of their child.
The man did not return to India for their son’s birth and in April (2025), police will allege he fraudulently cancelled his wife’s visa application and blocked her contact number.
The woman was able to return to Australia in August (2025), but their son remained in India.
In March (2026), the woman believed her husband was planning their travel back to India so he could leave her again, and she contacted police.
The man was located and arrested on 14 April and is due to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today (28 May 2026), charged with exit trafficking.
Exit trafficking, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment, occurs when an offender uses coercion, threats, or deception to organise the exit, or proposed exit, of a victim from Australia. The offender may take the victim’s passport or money or cancel their Australian visa while they’re overseas.
If you suspect you, or some else, is experiencing, or at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form. If you have immediate concerns for your safety or that of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
The Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) is a key component of Australia’s response to supporting victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, and is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross. For information and confidential advice please contact Australian Red Cross via their website or call 1800 113 015.
The Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program (FMSSP) allows those who are at risk of forced marriage or experiencing forced marriage to access assistance without having to report to police. The FMSSP can be contacted by phone (1800 403 213). More information is available on the Life Without Barriers website.
In addition to law enforcement avenues, the Additional Referral Pathway provides potential victims and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery an alternative way to access the STPP and FMSSP.
The Additional Referral Pathway can be contacted nationwide during business hours on 1800 000 277 or via the Salvation Army website.