Australia mulls extradition of Iraqi `trafficker` from Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australia is considering lodging a request with Indonesia for the extradition of an Iraqi man accused of trafficking some 900 immigrants to its territory from 1999 to 2001, an official said Thursday.

Indonesian police arrested alleged trafficking kingpin Hadi Ahmadi at Australia's request on June 29 under the extradition treaty between the two countries, the Australian Attorney General's Office (AGO) in Canberra told AFP.

"We are considering an extradition request," a spokeswoman said.

Canberra had 45 days from June 29 to decide whether to formally seek custody of the suspect.

"Mr. Ahmadi is wanted for prosecution in Australia for people smuggling offences," the AGO said in a statement.

"We thank Indonesia for its timely assistance in arresting Mr. Ahmadi pursuant to Australia's provisional arrest request."

Indonesian immigration office spokesman Agato Simamora said Ahmadi was the organiser of a smuggling ring that had trafficked 903 people to Australia from 1999 to 2001, when he went on the run.

"He is an organiser of people smuggling," Simamora said.

"Based on Interpol's information, he was about to set up a new network."

Ahmadi, who had used 13 names to evade authorities, was finally arrested as he arrived at Soekarno Hatta airport in Jakarta, officials said.

Simamora said he had been briefly detained in Indonesia in 2001 on a separate immigration offence.

Indonesian justice ministry officials refused to comment on the Iraqi's arrest or the likelihood of his extradition.

Australia's vast and largely unpopulated northern coast is a target for people smugglers who demand hundreds of dollars for passage, often in crowded and unseaworthy boats. (*)

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