An Indian Australian male charged with trafficking wife and two month old daughter

A New South Wales man has been charged with trafficking his wife and baby daughter from Sydney to India. The 27 year old from Sydney's west briefly appeared in court today, where the matter was adjourned until later this month. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years behind bars.

The Indian Australian who faced court today, charged with human trafficking Source: Nine Network

Police allege the suspect used coercion, threats and deception to force his wife and two month old daughter to India in March this year.

Detective Superintendent Dan Evans is the Coordinator of the Australian Federal Police's Victim Based Crime Command.

He says the woman feared she was being forced to travel to India without her consent and then was eventually coerced into travelling with her child.

"Once she was overseas, we will allege that the suspect in this case contacted the Department of Immigration to attempt to have that victim's visa application cancelled. We'll also allege that the 2-month-old infant's passport was removed, preventing her to return to Australia."

 But as Superintendent Dan Evans says, the suspect's attempt to have his wife's visa cancelled was unsuccessful.

"The victim returned to Australia, and got in contact with Anti-Slavery Australia who provided her with some excellent legal assistance, and worked with the AFP to get the result we are talking about today."

 In May, non-government organisation Anti-Slavery Australia tipped-off the Australian Federal Police, prompting an investigation.

 Anti-Slavery Australia defines slavery as the condition of a person over whom any or all of the power attaching the right of ownership are exercised, including where such a condition results from a debt or contract made by the person.

Detective Superintendent Evans says it's a disturbing case and one he has never seen before.

"You may be wondering why the events I've outlined have resulted in Commonwealth human trafficking charges today. It's true that it's not what comes to mind when we think of human trafficking but the behaviour that we allege the man has taken part is in that he's coerced through threat or deception of moving those people overseas."

 Sister Noelene from Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans says it's an alarming trend.

 "I'm horrified by it, I must say I'm not surprised because they are the kinds of stories that we are hearing, and hearing in Australia and beyond."

 The wife and child are back in Australia receiving support from the appropriate agencies.

 The scale of human trafficking in Australia is difficult to estimate as it is often under-reported.

 Last financial year, the Australian Federal Police received 150 referrals in relation to human trafficking, which include forced labour, forced marriage or sexual servitude.

 The suspect also faces a forge documents charge and general dishonesty charge.

 The case is expected to return to court on December 19th.

Detective Superintendent Evans encouraged people from the general public to report on cases of human trafficking on 131 AFP, which is 131 237 or ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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