Three Australians were recently
arrested and charged with the trafficking and exploitation of four Filipino
nationals. The individuals arrested were two men and a woman, all three from
Green Valley. The Filipino nationals were brought into the country on a
sporting visa, and were led to believe they were to be in the country to pursue
a professional boxing career. Upon arrival in Australia however, they were
informed that they “owed a debt for their travel to Australia.” “The four men
were then "housed in poor-quality accommodation, provided with
sub-standard meals, and forced into unpaid domestic labour." The police
also said that the movement of the four Filipinos was also restricted by their
captors.” The Australian Federal Police (AFP) immediately began investigation
into this case upon being informed by the Department of Immigration and Border
Protection (DIBP) of the alleged trafficking. The offense of the three
Australians carries a maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment.
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