Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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17 September 2009
Sri Lankan man faces up to 20 years gaol in Australia for people smuggling offences
A Sri Lankan man originating from the Negombo area who allegedly organised a people smuggling venture into Australia in April 2009 was charged today by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with people smuggling offences. The man was arrested in Perth after being transferred from Christmas Island by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and will appear before the Magistrates Court on Thursday 17 September.
The Sri Lankan national is alleged to be the organiser of a vessel that arrived in Australia on 22 April 2009.
The AFP will allege in court that the Sri Lankan man organised a vessel in an attempt to smuggle 32 passengers into Australia.
The vessel carrying 32 passengers was intercepted off Barrow Island, South West of Dampier, Western Australia by HMAS Wollongong.
The man will be charged with one count of facilitating the bringing of non-citizens into Australia (of 5 or more people) contrary to Section 232A of the Migration Act 1958.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment or a $220,000 fine.
Media Contact: Nazreen Marikkar 2463242
Australian High Commission
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka