World · South & Central Asia · 1 hr ago
Sydney man charged over alleged trafficking of wife to Pakistan
A 35-year-old Sydney man, Muhammad Bilal Khan, has been charged over the alleged trafficking of his wife from Australia to Pakistan.
Police say she believed the trip was a holiday, but was told after arriving that she had to stay there permanently.
They allege Khan kept her passport and identification documents and returned to Australia alone.
He faces one charge of facilitating another person's exit from Australia through threats, deception or coercion.
This offence is known as exit trafficking and can carry a maximum prison sentence of 12 years if he is convicted.
Khan has been released on bail, and his case is due back in the Downing Centre Local Court on December 1.
A 35-year-old Sydney man has been charged with allegedly deceiving his wife into travelling to Pakistan and leaving her there without her passport.
Police allege Muhammad Bilal Khan told his wife they were going on holiday, but said she would have to stay in Pakistan permanently once they arrived.
Khan allegedly returned to Australia alone, while withholding his wife’s passport and identification documents.
He was granted bail after appearing at Downing Centre Local Court.
The case is next due to be heard at the court on December 1.
- Who
- Muhammad Bilal Khan, 35, has been charged. His wife is the alleged victim.
- What
- He is charged with facilitating another person’s exit from Australia using threat, deception or coercion. Police allege he deceived his wife into travelling to Pakistan and left her there without her documents.
- When
- Khan allegedly left Australia earlier in 2026. He appeared in court on a Thursday and the matter is next due to be heard on December 1.
- Where
- The alleged trafficking involved travel from Australia to Pakistan. Police raided a home in Sydney’s west.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Carrying out actions to force or deceive someone to leave Australia is a criminal offence, and the AFP will not hesitate to act and investigate these matters,
Potential indicators that an individual is being exit trafficked include travelling without a passport in their own possession, not having a return ticket or phone, and not being able to provide their personal contact details on bookings.
Khan allegedly took possession of his wife’s passport and identification documents before leaving Australia with her.
Federal Police investigators raided a home in Sydney’s west and seized electronic devices, an airline ticket and identification documents.
Khan appeared at Downing Centre Local Court and was granted bail.
The matter is next due to be heard at Downing Centre Local Court.
- Accused
- Muhammad Bilal Khan, 35
- Charge
- One count of facilitating another person’s exit from Australia using threat, deception or coercion
- Alleged destination
- Pakistan
- Police raid
- September 16, at a home in Sydney’s west
- Maximum penalty
- 12 years’ imprisonment
Sources
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