Sydney Bloke Charged After Allegedly Pulling a Dodgy ‘One-Way Family Holiday’ to Pakistan
Authorities say a 45-year-old man took his wife and bub overseas, then legged it back to Australia with the passport—leaving them stranded. Court says: not OK, mate.
From “Family Trip” to Passport Snatch: Man Accused of Stranding Wife and Bub in Pakistan
What started as a supposed wholesome family holiday to Pakistan quickly turned into what police allege was a premeditated case of exit trafficking — Aussie-style.
A 45-year-old Sydney man has been charged after allegedly tricking his wife into flying overseas with their one-year-old baby, then abandoning them in Pakistan, flying home solo, and allegedly keeping the child’s passport.
That’s not a dodgy travel agent — that’s criminal deception, and it’s landed him in court and under the watch of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Key Case Snapshot
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | 45-year-old man from southwest Sydney |
| Alleged Offence Date | August 2023 |
| Location of Incident | Pakistan |
| Victims | His wife and their 1-year-old child |
| Reported to Police | February 2024 |
| Charges | 2 x Trafficking a person using deception; 1 x Using someone’s identity online |
| Max Penalties | Trafficking: 12 years per charge; Identity offence: 5 years |
| Tech Restrictions on Bail | No encrypted messaging apps, 1 phone only |
| Bail Conditions | Daily police check-ins, surrender passport, no contact with key witnesses |
Bail Conditions? Tighter Than Airport Security
The court’s bail restrictions are tighter than a carry-on luggage limit:
- No leaving NSW or Australia
- Can only use one mobile phone, registered in his name
- No encrypted messaging apps — including Wickr, Viber, Kik, Telegram, etc. (WhatsApp gets a pass)
- Must stay away from international departure zones
- A court-approved surety must cough up $50,000 if he skips town
What Is Exit Trafficking?
According to AFP’s Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham, this is a textbook case of exit trafficking — where someone is tricked or forced into leaving the country and then blocked from returning.
“These offences usually happen within family units where trust is abused,” said Needham.
“They’re under-reported, and we’re encouraging anyone affected to come forward.”
This alleged incident is one of the first high-profile exit trafficking cases under Australia’s toughened anti-trafficking laws.
Call to Action: What to Do If You Suspect Exit Trafficking
| If you suspect exit trafficking: | What you should do: |
|---|---|
| Notice unusual travel patterns | Ask questions — especially around lost passports or sudden relocations |
| Report to authorities | AFP on 131 AFP or via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 |
| Victim support | Contact Red Cross or Anti-Slavery Australia for legal and counselling help |
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just a Family Feud — It’s a Federal Case
If the charges stick, this won’t be remembered as just a dodgy bloke ditching his missus at the airport. It’s exit trafficking, and it’s being taken seriously by the Australian Federal Police.
So next time someone says, “We’re just popping overseas for a bit,” maybe check if everyone’s holding onto their own passport — especially the baby’s.
