A 53-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrate’s Court this morning (Thursday, 15 February 2018) on charges of human trafficking, forced labour and sexual assault.
According to ACT Policing, on Tuesday the 13th of February 2018, ACT Police, New South Wales police and Australian Border Force officers executed a search warrant at a premise in Auburn, Western Sydney.
The 53-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with a number of state-based offences, including two counts of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of an act of indecency without consent.
He appeared before Burwood Local Court yesterday where his extradition to the ACT was granted.
Police report that the man was also charged yesterday with Commonwealth offences including trafficking in persons, forced labour and immigration matters.
The arrest comes after officers from ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations team conducted a six-month-long investigation into allegations of forced labour and human trafficking.
Police are still investigating the actions of the man and ACT Policing expect further charges to be laid.
Superintendent Scott Moller from ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations team said that this type of crime is particularly heinous.
“We will allege that this man actively procured young women from overseas with the sole intent of providing those women to men for sexual services,” Superintendent Moller said.
“This has been a long and complex investigation that has resulted in the man being brought before the court. This is a great outcome for the victims involved.”
Police urge anyone who may have any information about this matter or any other human trafficking matter to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
Information can be provided anonymously.
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