An Australian pilot is expected to be extradited to the United States as early as next week after the federal government approved the extradition of a former US Marine pilot suspected of training Chinese fighter pilots.
Daniel Duggan, who has been in a high-security prison in Australia for more than two years as he seeks extradition, is expected to be handed over to American authorities in early 2025. The family said in a statement that they were “devastated” by the decision. This comes after Attorney General Mark Dreyfuss confirmed on Monday that he had approved Mr. Duggan's extradition to the United States.
“Recognizing the public's interest in this issue, I will, on 19 December 2024, extradite Daniel Duggan to the United States under section 22 of the Extradition Act 1988 (Cth) to face prosecution for the crimes he is accused of. We will confirm that we have decided to do so,'' Dreyfus said in a statement.
“Mr. Duggan has been given the opportunity to make a defense as to why he should not be extradited to the United States. In reaching this decision, I have considered all of the materials before me.”
The United States is seeking the extradition of Mr. Duggan, 55, on arms trafficking and money laundering charges stemming from his alleged training of Chinese fighter pilots more than a decade ago. This allegation has not been tested in court.
The U.S. indictment alleges that he taught Chinese fighter pilots to land jets on aircraft carriers, known as “carrier landings,” in violation of arms trafficking laws. The indictment details payments Duggan allegedly received in 2011 and 2012 to train Chinese fighter pilots at test flight academies “based in South Africa and based in the People's Republic of China.” It is listed.
The father of six children, all of whom are Australian citizens aged between six and 18, could face 60 years in prison if convicted in the United States.
Mr Duggan's wife Safrin said in a statement: “We are shocked and completely heartbroken by this cruel and inhumane decision taken just before Christmas, with no explanation or justification from the government. “There is,” he said.
The family said they received a short letter from the Attorney General's Office on Friday confirming Dreyfus' decision, stating that Duggan would be escorted to the United States after Dec. 30 and by Feb. 17. Ta.
Ms Duggan's family said they were considering legal options “including seeking specific reasons for the government's decision”, which they claimed were not mentioned in the letter.
“We feel abandoned by the Australian government and are deeply disappointed that it has failed to fulfill its duty to protect Australian families,” Ms Safrin said.
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“It's very difficult to explain to children why this is happening to their father, especially at this time of year. We're all worried that we won't see him. The children are very, very sad.”
Duggan's family said he maintains his innocence and denies the charges.
Mr Dreyfus noted in a statement that Mr Duggan was found eligible to surrender to the US by a New South Wales magistrate in May.
“To ensure the safety of all involved and maintain the integrity of the extradition process, the Australian Government has long-standing practice of commenting on operational issues related to extradition, including the timing and specific arrangements for extradition. “We have not done so,” the attorney general said.
