Trafficking in persons – exit from Australia with deception as to arrangement for sexual services is an offence under section 271.2(2C) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison
To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that:
- You organised or facilitated the exit, or proposed exit, of another person from Australia
- There was an arrangement between you and the other person to the effect that the other person would provide sexual services outside Australia, and
- You deceived the other person as to:
- The nature of the sexual services to be provided
- The extent to which the other person would be free to leave:
- the place or area where he or she was to provide sexual services, or
- his or her place of residence, or
- the existence or quantum of any debt, or claimed debt, owed by the other person.
You ‘deceived’ the other person if you misled them as to a fact, including as to the intention of any person, or as to law a deception can be by words or conduct.
Defences to the charge include:
- Duress
- Self-defence, and
- Necessity.