Media Release
Sydney man charged with exit trafficking
Editor’s note: Arrest vision is available via Hightail.
A Ryde man, 44, is expected to appear before the NSW Bail Division Court today (1 October, 2026) charged for allegedly trafficking a woman known to him out of Australia.
An AFP investigation began in January 2026 following a report a woman had allegedly been trafficked from Australia to Egypt in November 2024.
Police will allege the man initiated the cancellation process of the woman's visa ahead of her departure to Egypt, where she was to visit relatives, and while she was overseas, the man cancelled her return flight to Australia.
It will also be alleged the 44-year-old gained unauthorised access to the woman’s online accounts, altered the login credentials to lock her out, and impersonated her to complete the visa cancellation.
AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a Ryde home yesterday (30 September, 2026), where they seized three mobile devices and a laptop, which will undergo forensic examination.
The man was charged with:
- One count of coerce/threaten/deceive to obtain compliance regarding the exit from Australia, contrary to section 271.2(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of dealing in identification information using a carriage service with the intent to pretend to be another person for the purpose of committing an offence, contrary to section 372.1A(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 12 years’ and five years' imprisonment respectively.
The man was refused police bail and is expected to appear before NSW Bail Division Court today.
Detective acting Superintendent Morag McGowan said exit trafficking was an insidious offence that was often underreported.
“No one has the right to deceive anyone to leave Australia against their will. This type of behaviour is a criminal offence and carries a potential 12-year jail sentence,” Det a/Supt McGowan said.
“The sad reality is this does occur in modern Australia, which is why educating the public on the indicators is crucial.
“Potential indicators someone is being exit trafficked include travelling without a passport in their possession, not having a return ticket or phone, and not being able to provide their contact details on bookings.”
If you suspect you, or another person, is experiencing, or at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form. If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
