Media Release
Matter of when not where: AFP’s FAST hits its 50th arrest
Editor’s note: Audio grabs from Commander Hudson available via Hightail
The AFP’s Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST) has made its 50th arrest since its inception four years ago, apprehending alleged criminals wanted for a range of offences in 10 countries.
The 50th arrest occurred in December, 2024, when a woman, 65, was arrested in Sydney for fraud-related charges in Vietnam. It was the first ever extradition arrest in Australia for Vietnamese authorities.
Other recent arrests also include:
- A man, 59, wanted for fraud-related offences was located in Victoria and extradited by FAST to Hungary in February, 2025;
- A man, 55, wanted for child exploitation offences was located by FAST in Western Australia and extradited to the United Kingdom in January, 2025;
- A man, 53, wanted for fraud offences was located in Victoria by FAST and extradited to the United States in September 2024;
- A man, 83, wanted for child-exploitation offences was located by FAST in Victoria and extradited to the United Kingdom in September 2024;
- A man 38, wanted for fraud offences was located in Queensland by FAST and extradited to the United Kingdom in March 2024;
- A man, 28, wanted for drug-importation offences was located by FAST in Western Australia and extradited to NSW to faces charges in February 2024;
- Eight men, aged between 39 and 78, wanted for child-exploitation offences, were located in various states by FAST and extradited to New Zealand between 2023 and 2024;
- A man, 48, wanted for armed robbery was located by FAST in the ACT and extradited to NSW to faces charges in August 2023;
- A man, 39, wanted for drug and money laundering offences was located by FAST and extradited to the United States in July 2023;
- A man, 38, wanted for kidnapping and assault was located by FAST in the ACT and extradited to NSW to faces charges in April 2023; and
- A man, 56, wanted for child-exploitation offences was located by FAST in Queensland and extradited to the United Kingdom in March 2023.
All other matters are unable to be disclosed due to operational or judicial reasons.
The FAST team was launched in 2021 as a proactive and dedicated AFP transnational arm to pursue and arrest fugitives wanted for serious offending.
It tracks and apprehends alleged offenders who are the subject of domestic and international arrest warrants for offences including murder, manslaughter, drug trafficking, child exploitation offences, money laundering and serious fraud.
The FAST, as well as the AFP’s international posts, are key to pursuing and arresting fugitives, as well as close partnerships with domestic and international law enforcement, and the Attorney-General’s Department.
The FAST team travels domestically and internationally once a fugitive is located and work with local police to bring them before the criminal justice system.
In 2025, FAST is focused on increasing collaboration with domestic and international partners to share best practice, leverage strengths to expedite enquiries, provide real-time tracking, and share information to apprehend fugitives.
In late January 2025, it was involved in the multi-agency apprehension of a fugitive charged under Operation Ironside, who was found on a yacht off the Northern Territory coast.
AFP Commander Paula Hudson praised the hard-working FAST members as integral to the agency.
“Every arrest disrupts and dismantles criminals and syndicates that target Australia for illicit ventures, and 50 arrests is an exemplary result,” Commander Hudson said.
“The work and reputation of the FAST is reducing the ability for serious criminals to hide within the Australian community or offshore.
“The AFP has a footprint in more than 30 countries, and we work closely and share intelligence with foreign partners.
“Criminals should know the long arm of the AFP extends everywhere and there is no haven to hide - it's a matter of when, not where, we will we apprehend you.”
Any information the public has regarding wanted fugitives can be anonymously provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
