National media release
Three men arrested over people smuggling
Friday, 12 June 2009
Three Indonesian men who allegedly facilitated a people smuggling venture to Australia in May 2009 have been arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for people smuggling offences.
All three men will be escorted by the AFP from Christmas Island to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Saturday 13 June 2009.
The men are alleged to be the crew members of Suspect Illegal Entrant Vessel (SIEV) 42, which was intercepted by an Australian Customs and Border Protection Service vessel, north of Bathurst and Melville Islands, Northern Territory on 11 May 2009.
Passengers and crew from the vessel were transported to Christmas Island by HMAS Bundaberg.
Police will allege in court that the three men crewed the vessel as part of an attempt to smuggle 31 passengers into Australia.
The three men will face one count each of facilitating the bringing of non-citizens into Australia (of five or more people) 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