EXCLUSIVE: ‘Heartless Husband’ Accused of Leaving Pregnant Wife Stranded Overseas in Australia’s First-Ever Exit Trafficking Case
- A Canberra man, 35, has become the first person in the ACT to be charged with exit trafficking, a form of modern slavery
- Police allege he cancelled his wife’s Australian visa application and blocked her phone number while she was giving birth in India
- The woman, who was left stranded overseas, has since returned to Australia, but their son remains in India
- Experts warn of a growing trend of exit trafficking, with advocates for migrant women seeing more cases of coercion and deception
A chilling case of alleged modern slavery has shocked the nation, with a Canberra man accused of leaving his pregnant wife stranded overseas in a desperate bid to escape his family responsibilities.
The 35-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has become the first person in the Australian Capital Territory to be charged with exit trafficking, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in jail.
According to police, the man and his wife had travelled to India in September 2024 to give birth to their child.
However, in a shocking betrayal, the husband allegedly told his wife he was returning to Australia for work, but would return for the birth of their son.
Instead, he vanished, leaving his pregnant wife alone and vulnerable in a foreign country.
In a sinister twist, the man allegedly cancelled his wife’s Australian visa application and blocked her phone number in April 2025, leaving her with no means of communication or support.
The woman, who was forced to give birth alone, was eventually able to return to Australia in August 2025, but their son remained in India.
The alleged victim only discovered her husband’s true intentions in March this year, when she believed he was planning to leave her again. It was then that she contacted police, who launched an investigation into the shocking allegations.
The man was arrested in April and remains on bail. His matter was briefly heard in the ACT Magistrates Court before it was adjourned until June.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with advocates for migrant women warning of a growing trend of exit trafficking.
“We’re seeing more and more cases of coercion and deception, where perpetrators use threats and manipulation to control their victims,” said a spokesperson for a migrant support group.
“It’s a form of modern slavery that’s often hidden in plain sight, and it’s essential that we raise awareness and support for those affected.”
Exit trafficking, a form of human trafficking, involves the use of coercion, threats or deception to organise the exit, or proposed exit, of a victim-survivor from Australia.
Offenders may take the victim-survivor’s passport or money, or cancel their Australian visa while they are overseas.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has urged the community not to stay silent about migration-related abuse. “If you or someone you know is a victim of exit trafficking, please come forward and report it to the authorities,” said an AFP spokesperson.
“We’re committed to supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.”
The Department of Home Affairs has also confirmed that it contacts those on partner and other temporary Australian visas when a sponsor withdraws. “The Human Trafficking Visa Framework allows victims of exit trafficking, supported by the AFP, to return to Australia to seek justice,” a department spokesperson said.
As the case continues to unfold, experts warn that exit trafficking is a growing concern in Australia, with devastating consequences for victims and their families. “It’s essential that we take a proactive approach to addressing this issue, and provide support and resources for those affected,” said a security analyst.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The case highlights the need for greater awareness and education about exit trafficking, particularly among migrant communities. It also raises concerns about the vulnerabilities of migrant women, who may be more susceptible to coercion and exploitation.
“This case is a wake-up call for Australia,” said a law enforcement insider. “We need to do more to protect migrant women and children from exploitation, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.”
The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s migration policies and procedures in preventing exit trafficking.
“We need to review our systems and processes to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to prevent this type of exploitation,” said an immigration expert.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shocked and outraged by the allegations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of modern slavery, and the need for vigilance and action to prevent it.
human trafficking modern slavery Australian Federal Police Department of Home Affairs
