21 July 2013
Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice Jason Clare today announced that the Australian Federal Police will pay rewards of up to $200,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people organising people smuggling ventures to Australia.
There are criminals in Australia that are part of international people smuggling syndicates. These syndicates stretch from Australia to Indonesia and to places like Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq.
Australian based people smugglers help to organise passengers, collect payments and transfer money overseas.
“These people are peddling in misery and death. We need to shut this market down. That’s why we are putting a bounty on their heads.” Mr Clare said.
“We have taken the product they are selling off the shelves, we also need to lock these people up.”
“If you provide police with the information we need to lock people smugglers up you will receive up to $200,000.”
The AFP currently has more than 60 members focused on combatting people smuggling into Australia.
“There’s not one syndicate, there’s numerous and the commodity in this case, unfortunately, are human beings.” Australian Federal Police assistant Commissioner Ramzi Jabbour said.
The community has a vital role to play in helping police arrest people smugglers operating out of Australia.
Anyone who provides information that contributes to the successful arrest and prosecution of Australian based people smugglers will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $200,000.
Prosecutions can be against organisers of people smuggling ventures into Australia, or people providing support and assistance to them.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The penalty for people smuggling offences in Australia is up to 20 years in jail.
