A man previously charged with recruiting crew members to work on his fishing boat through “deceptive online advertisements” and “restraining them without consent” is set to face 15 fresh charges in court today.
The 47-year-old man was charged in December following a Queensland Police investigation into alleged human trafficking.
The investigation was sparked after emergency services rescued two people from crocodile-infested waters in northern Queensland.
Police allege the two people rescued had been threatened by their employer while on board his vessel.
The man initially faced Darwin Magistrates Court on December 22 and was charged with 22 alleged offences against nine victims.
It’s alleged he posted job advertisements on Gumtree calling for deckhands and coxswains to work on his fishing boat.
“It was alleged in court the man mistreated the deckhands and coxswains who worked for him on his vessel and held them against their will,” police said.
The man was remanded in custody was released on bail.
Police said they have now identified an additional five victims who police allege were “subjected to the same mistreatment from the man, after being recruited to work on his fishing boat”.
“Our priority is the wellbeing and safety of victims. This is an extremely concerning case involving a significant number of individuals who were allegedly coerced into working in a horrendous and terrifying environment while being in a remote part of Australia,” AFP Acting Superintendent Tim Puchala said.
The Darwin man will be charged today with 15 new human trafficking offences.
The man faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
