Australian authorities have charged a 56-year-old woman, who holds dual Nigerian and Australian citizenship, with 31 offences related to human trafficking and exploitation. She was arrested on 11 June 2025 at Brisbane Airport after arriving from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

According to investigators, between 2021 and 2023, the woman allegedly recruited 15 individuals from PNG under the promise of full scholarships and education in Australia. Upon arrival, however, they were reportedly faced with unexpected costs for visas, flights, and tuition.

Instead of studying, the alleged victims were sent to work on farms in Queensland. Their wages were not paid directly to them, but instead collected by the woman, purportedly as repayment for undocumented “debts.” Authorities claim this arrangement amounted to deceptive recruitment and debt bondage.

She now faces multiple serious charges, including:
• 4 counts of trafficking in persons
• 14 counts of deceptive recruitment
• 13 counts of debt bondage

These offences carry maximum penalties of up to 12 years in prison per count.

Law enforcement agencies, including Australia’s Human Trafficking Team, have expanded investigations to explore whether the case is part of a broader network affecting other migrant communities, including Nigerians and Ghanaians.

Australian officials warn that many aspiring migrants are being misled with promises of education or job placements abroad, only to face exploitation.

Migrants are urged to remain vigilant and look out for warning signs of trafficking:
• Lack of formal documentation
• Withholding of passports or wages
• Sudden financial demands after travel
• Being forced to work in breach of visa conditions

This case highlights the importance of verifying offers before making migration decisions and underscores the risks some face when desperate opportunities are taken at face value.