Crime16 April, 20261 min read
Australian Court Approves Extradition of Ex-Marine Pilot to US Over China Training Allegations
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Australian Federal Court rejected Duggan's bid to block extradition to the United States. Duggan, a former US Marine pilot and Australian citizen, is accused of training Chinese pilots.
Extradition Ordered
Daniel Duggan lost his appeal against extradition to the United States. He was arrested in New South Wales in 2022 at the request of the US. The US claims he broke arms-trafficking laws by training Chinese fighter pilots in South Africa between 2010 and 2012.
Duggan denies the claims. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed the case, paving the way for his removal.
Family's Fight
Duggan's wife said she was very disappointed by the ruling. She described her husband as an ordinary Australian who broke no Australian law. The family has spent 1,273 days suffering terrible trauma.
The case has cost the family about half a million dollars. An injunction on their house means they can neither sell it nor live in it.
Legal and Political Debate
Duggan's lawyers argued the offence was not classified as an offence in Australia at the time. Justice Stellios was not persuaded that offences had to be illegal in both countries at the time.
Greens Senator Shoebridge said Australia should not be America's deputy sheriff. Duggan faces up to 65 years in prison if found guilty.