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Perth raids uncover sex worker, farming exploitation

Staff WriterStirling Times

THREE Malaysian nationals have been detained in Perth after raids targeting people involved in the unlawful exploitation of foreign workers in the sex and agricultural industries.

Australian Border Force officers raided the Balga home of a 25-year-old woman suspected of being a key player in a syndicate that is making significant profits through the exploitation of foreign women in the sex industry.

During the search, officers found about 500 phone SIM cards, which are suspected of being used to facilitate the buying and selling of sexual services in numerous locations across Australia.

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The woman detained during the Balga warrant. Supplied
Camera IconThe woman detained during the Balga warrant. Supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The woman’s partner, a 26-year-old man, was also detained and placed in immigration detention. Both face removal from Australia.

As part of a separate investigation, field operations officers executed a warrant on a Belmont house on Wednesday night, targeting a 43-year-old man suspected of money laundering related to the exploitation of foreign nationals in the agriculture industry.

He too was placed in immigration detention pending his removal from Australia. All three were in Australia without a valid visa.

The man detained during the Balga warrant. Supplied
Camera IconThe man detained during the Balga warrant. Supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Acting ABF Commander of Field Operations, Sally McAuliffe, said the ABF would continue to target criminal syndicates and unscrupulous individuals exploiting vulnerable foreign workers.

“The individuals we are targeting in this operation are not those that are being exploited but those non-citizens that are facilitating illegal work and migration fraud,” Acting Commander McAuliffe said.

“We encourage individuals who are being exploited, regardless of visa status, to come forward and provide the ABF with information so we can identify and take action against those involved in these practices.”

Visa holders who do not comply with their visa conditions due to workplace exploitation, will generally not have their visa cancelled, be detained or removed if they come forward and assist with inquiries.

Anyone who is aware of an individual, business or employer who might be facilitating visa fraud or illegal work is urged to contact Border Watch at australia.gov.au/borderwatch.

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