Photo: AFP
Criminal groups recruiting overseas workers have been linked to a rise in human trafficking cases in Australia, according to federal police.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) says criminals are targeting those looking for work in Australia and forcing them into forced labour exploitation, and debt bondage.
The AFP says there has been a 140 percent increase in, or 247, cases over the last six years. There were 29 reports in 2018-19 compared to 69 in 2024-24.
AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said trafficking victims were treated as commodities by criminal groups and subjected to degrading conditions as they were exploited.
“Criminal syndicates will use deceptive recruitment tactics to target and force vulnerable individuals into these appalling situations, and trap them into endless cycles of debt, forced labour or domestic servitude,” Schneider said.
“The AFP is the lead agency in investigating this crime type. We investigate any reports we receive but we also urge members of the public to be vigilant and alert police to any suspicions of human trafficking offences.
“We understand it can be incredibly difficult for vulnerable people and anyone with information to come forward, but we want to assure them that help, and protection is available.
“If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking or slavery offences, you can make a report to the AFP by calling 131 AFP.”
The AFP says forced labour victims are often subjected to gruelling conditions such as excessive work hours without breaks, water and sleep deprivation, threats to life or threats of sexual assault, restricted communication, and physical punishments.
Many victims are denied payment and access to contracts, visas, passports or personal documents, the AFP says.
Cases include:
- A Templestowe man was jailed for three years in January 2024 after he forced a male victim to work 14-hour days for two years under threats of deportation.
- A Darwin man is facing 44 human trafficking charges after police allege that he recruited crew for a fishing boat through deceptive online advertisements and holding them against their will in December 2023.
If you have concerns, call 131 AFP (237) or report via the AFP website.
For more information, including the signs a person may be at risk, visit the AFP website: Human trafficking & slavery indicators | Australian Federal Police.
