Woman and two children escape alleged trafficking plot to Pakistan

By MAISY RAE – NEWS REPORTER 00:24 15 Oct 2026, updated 00:24 15 Oct 2026

A Pakistani man who allegedly tried to traffic a woman and her two young children out of Australia has faced a Melbourne court.

The 37-year-old man was charged on Friday, four months after police received reports from a concerned member of the public.

Police allege they were told the woman and children, who are known to the man, were about to be trafficked from Australia to Pakistan via Melbourne Airport.

Australian Federal Police officers launched an investigation on June 10 and were able to locate and separate the group before the planned departure.

Police allege the man threatened the woman in order to compel her to travel to Pakistan.

Following the execution of search warrants in Glenroy in Melbourne’s north on Friday, police seized a mobile phone, laptop and other documents, which are undergoing forensic examination.

The man was charged with one count of organising the proposed exit of another person from Australia using coercion, threats or deception and obtaining compliance. He fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment.

Exit trafficking is a form of human trafficking where someone uses coercion, threats, deception or force to transport a person out of a country or overseas against their will.

AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano said it was an insidious offence that was often underreported.

‘The AFP will not tolerate attempts to force, threaten or manipulate people into leaving Australia against their will,’ he said.

‘In this matter, we allege a vulnerable woman and her young children were at risk of being removed from Australia against their will.

‘However, thanks to timely information and swift action by investigators and community partners, authorities were able to intervene before the alleged trafficking could occur.

‘Victims of human trafficking are often isolated, intimidated or made to feel they have no choice. We encourage anyone who believes they or someone they know may be experiencing human trafficking to come forward.

‘Every report helps us safeguard vulnerable people and hold offenders accountable.’

The reports come just days after a Sydney man was charged with allegedly trafficking his wife from Australia to Pakistan under the pretence of a holiday.

Muhammad Bilal Khan, 35, allegedly took possession of his wife’s passport and identification documents before leaving Australia earlier this year.

Police allege the woman was deceived into believing she was flying to Pakistan for a holiday. However, once there, she was told she would have to stay permanently while Khan returned to Australia alone.

Police allege Khan purchased a one-way ticket back to Australia for himself and did not disclose this to the woman.

The woman’s passport and identification documents were also allegedly withheld, and she was prevented from joining him.

He fronted Downing Centre Local Court last week and was granted bail.

If you suspect you or another person are experiencing, or are at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237).

Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com.au

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