Tradie who travelled to Pakistan with his wife and allegedly abandoned her there before returning to Australia alone is charged with human trafficking
A tradie has fronted court on charges of exit trafficking after he allegedly abandoned his wife during an overseas trip and returned to Australia alone.
A tradie has fronted court on charges of exit trafficking after he allegedly abandoned his wife during an overseas trip and returned to Australia alone.
Ali Rahimi, 29, was arrested by the Australian Federal Police officers on Wednesday morning, nine months after officers first raided his Auburn home in Sydneys west where they allegedly seized passports, phones and travel documents..
The tiler was charged with one count of exit trafficking of a person from Australia by using deception, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years behind bars.
Police allege that Rahmis wife first contacted AFP last November, claiming that claimed her left her stranded in Pakistan without any documentation.
Its alleged that Rahim tricked his wife by telling her that they, along with their two children would be travelling overseas to visit family.
The woman allegedly agreed to the trip before the family flew to Afghanistan in July 2023 for a holiday.
They then travelling to Pakistan, where Rahimi allegedly took control of his wifes tickets, passports and other travel documents.
Ali Rahimi, 29, (pictured) was charged with one count of exit trafficking after he allegedly abandoned his wife in Pakistan after he allegedly tricked her into going on an overseas trip
Rahimi (pictured left) was arrested on Wednesday morning by AFP officers
Police allege that Rahimi told his wife he was going back to Afghanistan to visit friends after the family arrived in Pakistan.
The woman allegedly discovered in September that Rahimi had flown back to Australia alone..
The AFP worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to assist the woman and her children to return to Australia safely.
During Rahimis bail hearing in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, his lawyer Lisa Dao disputed the allegations her client took control of his wifes travel documents.
Ms Dao said Rahimis wife was able to access her the documents during the trip, the Daily Telegraph reports.
The tiler (pictured leaving court) faces up to 12 years behind bars
The court heard that Rahimi intends to fight the charge as Ms Dao disputed concerns raised by the prosecution that her client is a flight risk.
Ms Dao told the court that Rahimi went overseas for a holiday as recently as July after the trip was approved by federal agents.
She added that he runs a tiling business and has family living in Sydney.
Police opposed Rahimis application for bail, claiming the case against him was a strong one.
However, Rahimi was released on bail on the condition he doesnt contact his wife or members of her family.
He must also report to police three times a week and surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions.
He will reappear in court at a later date
Ali Rahimi leaves Burwood Court on Wednesday after he was granted bail
It comes as AFP Detective acting inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias issued a general statement about exit trafficking, describing it as a serious criminal offence that is often underreported.
Exit trafficking can involve a person using coercion, deception or a threat, to organise or facilitate another to leave Australia, Detective Tsardoulias said.
No one has the right to force or deceive anyone to leave Australia, or to prevent them from returning against their will.
We want victims to know the AFP is here to help them and that their safety and wellbeing is our primary concern when we are investigating these matters. Each case is handled with compassion and great care, and the victims needs are always paramount.
If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call the AFP on 131 237.
