The Hon Michael Keenan MP
Minister for Justice
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Counter Terrorism
The Hon Peter Dutton MP
Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

13 August 2015

Extradition of alleged people smuggler - a win against the evil trade

Australia has taken another step in the successful fight against people smuggling today with the extradition of an alleged people-smuggler from Indonesia to Australia.

Mr Sayed Abbas, has been extradited to Australia from Indonesia following an Australian extradition request to face prosecution for 27 people smuggling offences.

This extradition demonstrates the strong and effective relationship between Australia and Indonesia in international crime cooperation matters.

"The surrender of Mr Abbas from Indonesia to Australia is one example of a broader bilateral relationship on law and justice cooperation that Australia highly values," Mr Keenan said.

"This extradition is the result of significant cooperation between agencies responsible for international crime cooperation and law enforcement in Australia and Indonesia."

These included the Australian Attorney-General's Department, the Australian Federal Police, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Indonesian National Police and the Indonesian Attorney-General's Office.

Mr Dutton said Australia remains committed to working within our region to resolve the challenge of people smuggling.

"This is a significant outcome for the tough measures Australia has implemented to prevent loss of life at sea and undermine people smuggling syndicates who exploit vulnerable persons," Mr Dutton said.

"We continue to be vigilant because people smugglers will test our resolve."

Mr Abbas is the seventh person extradited to Australia to face people smuggling charges since 2008.

Further information: Minister Keenan - Emily Broadbent 0400 390 008

Minister Dutton - John Wiseman or Merryn Royle 02 6277 7860