A West Australian couple previously charged over allegedly keeping an employee in debt bondage is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (12 July, 2024), charged with additional offences relating to six other foreign nationals.
The the man, 32, and woman, 37, in May, 2024, after investigating allegations they provided false details on visa applications for a foreign worker who came to Australia in late 2023 to work as a masseuse in their business in regional WA.
The couple is accused of mistreating the woman, 36, after her arrival, including by allegedly taking her passport illegally, underpaying her and forcing her to pay off debts that were excessive or unreasonably allocated to her.
The man and woman, who live in Ocean Reef, were initially charged with three offences relating to allegations against the one worker.
After further inquiries, the AFP has charged them with additional offences over allegations they submitted false information on multiple visa documents relating to the 36-year-old and on visa applications for another six foreign workers.
Only one of those other workers, now 38, arrived in Australia. She was employed at the couple’s massage business in early 2023 but ceased employment after three months.
AFP Human Trafficking Team acting Sergeant Kevin Loermans said police would allege the couple had repeatedly provided fraudulent information on visa applications to try to subvert immigration laws.
“We allege they aimed to profit from exploiting vulnerable foreign workers who may be unwilling to complain because they have fewer support networks and less understanding of workers’ rights in Australia or the help available to protect them,” he said.
He said the AFP’s focus in human trafficking investigations was the safety, health and welfare of victims.
“We urge individuals to be aware of the indicators of slavery-like practices and report anything that may seem suspicious,” he said.
The man, 32, a Chinese national, and the woman, 37, will each face the following charges:
- Nine counts of delivered to a person performing functions under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), multiple documents containing information that is false in connection with the entry and immigration clearance of a non-citizen, with an application for a visa to enter Australia and a further visa permitting the non-citizen to remain in Australia, contrary to section 234 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of engaging in conduct that caused a person to enter into debt bondage, contrary to section 270.7C of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is four years’ imprisonment; and
- One count of having control of a foreign travel document, being a passport belonging to another person, contrary to section 21(4) of the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
If you suspect that you or another person is being exploited or is at risk of being exploited, help is available. Call 131 AFP (237) or report via the .
If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
If you or someone you know is exploited at work in Australia, visit the
