A Queensland woman has been charged over an alleged human trafficking operation targeting people from Papua New Guinea.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged a woman over a “disturbing” human trafficking operation between Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
They claim victims were promised fake scholarships then forced to work as fruit pickers, accommodated in shipping containers and alarmingly, transported in car boots.
Authorities say Binta Abubakar, a dual Australian and Nigerian citizen, left Australia two years ago but when she returned to Brisbane International Airport yesterday, AFP officers were waiting.
“Police will allege the woman lured Papua New Guinea nationals to Australia with the promise of fully funded scholarships,” Adria Elfer from the AFP said.
Abubakar is described as the CEO of BIN Educational Services and Consulting on its website.
The business acted as an agent for Central Queensland University until 2023 and lists a rundown Victorian property as its office address.
Abubakar is accused of exploiting fifteen victims, as young as 19 years old, over a two-year period.
“When those persons arrived into Australia, they were instead forced to work on farms to pay off debts that they had not previously been told about,” Telfer claimed.
Fruit picking in the Moreton Bay and Lockyer Valley regions for up to 70 hours a week, as she allegedly pocketed their wages, unbeknownst to the farmers employing them.
“Some of them at times were living in fairly oppressive conditions, some in the boot of a car,” Telfer claims.
The 56-year-old is facing 31 charges and if convicted could spend up to 12 years behind bars.
She appeared in court yesterday, and was granted bail.
Police believe there may be more victims, and they’re appealing for them to come forward.. (9news.com.au)
