National media release
Man arrested in Brisbane over people smuggling offences
Friday, 05 June 2009
Australian Federal Police (AFP) this morning arrested an Indonesian man, believed to be over 19-years-old, in Brisbane for people smuggling offences.
Police will allege in court that the man was a crew member on board a vessel intercepted off Ashmore Reef on 15 April 2009 and facilitated the entry of 47 people into Australia illegally.
The man will face Brisbane Magistrates Court today, where authorities will ask for his extradition to Darwin.
The arrest follows the arrest of a second alleged crew member from this vessel in Perth last Friday.
The investigation included assistance from the Northern Territory Police and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
The man was charged with facilitating the bringing of non-citizens into Australia (five people or more), contrary to Section 232A of the Migration Act 1958.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years imprisonment or a $220,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100