A man has been charged after authorities allegedly stopped a woman and two young children from being taken out of Australia against their will through Melbourne Airport.
The 37-year-old Pakistani national appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday over what the Australian Federal Police described as an attempted exit trafficking matter involving a woman and two children known to him.
The AFP began investigating in June after a member of the public raised concerns that the woman and her children were about to be taken from Australia to Pakistan.
Authorities tracked down the group before their planned departure, and separated the woman and children from the man.
Police allege the man used threats to force the woman to comply with plans for travel out of Australia.
He was charged after warrants were carried out in Glenroy on October 9.
Investigators allegedly seized a mobile phone, laptop and other documents, which are now being examined.
The charge alleges he organised the proposed removal of another person from Australia using coercion, threats or deception. It carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.
AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano described exit trafficking as an under-reported crime and warned authorities would act against anyone accused of trying to force people to leave the country against their will.
“The AFP will not tolerate attempts to force, threaten or manipulate people into leaving Australia against their will,” he said.
“A vulnerable woman and her young children were at risk of being removed from Australia against their will.
“However, thanks to timely information and swift action by investigators and community partners, authorities were able to intervene before the alleged trafficking could occur.”
He also urged anyone who suspected human trafficking to come forward.
“Victims of human trafficking are often isolated, intimidated or made to feel they have no choice,” he said.
“We encourage anyone who believes they or someone they know may be experiencing human trafficking to come forward.
“Every report helps us safeguard vulnerable people and hold offenders accountable.”