An Australian pilot will be handed over to the United States as early as next week after the federal government approved the extradition of a former US Marine pilot to face charges over his role in training Chinese fighter pilots.
Daniel Duggan, who has spent more than two years in an Australian maximum security prison fighting extradition, will be handed over to US authorities in early 2025. ‘Shocked’ by decision Justice Minister Marc Dreyfus confirmed on Monday that he had approved Dugan’s extradition to the United States.
“Having regard to the public interest in this matter, I confirm that on 19 December 2024 I decided under section 22 of the Extradition Act 1988 (Cth) that Daniel Duggan should be extradited to the United States in respect of the charges against him. facing prosecution for his crimes,” Dreyfus said in a statement.
“Mr Dugan was given the opportunity to make his case as to why he should not be handed over to the United States. In making my decision, I considered all the material before me.
The United States has sought the extradition of Dugan, 55, on weapons trafficking and money laundering charges stemming from his involvement in training Chinese fighter pilots more than a decade ago. The allegations have not yet been tested in court.
A U.S. indictment alleges that he ignored arms trafficking laws and taught Chinese fighter pilots to land jets on aircraft carriers, a so-called “aircraft carrier intercept landing.” The indictment details payments Duy allegedly received in 2011 and 2012 for training Chinese fighter pilots at a flight test academy “located in South Africa with facilities in the People’s Republic of China.”
The father of six – whose children range in age from six to 18 and are all Australian citizens – could face 60 years in prison if convicted in the US.
“We are shocked and heartbroken by this callous and inhumane decision made just before Christmas, with no explanation or justification from the government,” Dugan’s wife, Saffrin, said in a statement.
The family said they received a text message from the attorney general’s department on Friday confirming Dreyfus’ decision, which stipulated that Dugan would be escorted to the hospital sometime after Dec. 30 and before Feb. 17. U.S.
Dugan’s family said they were considering legal options “including specific reasons for asking the government to make a decision,” but they claimed the letter did not mention that.
“We feel abandoned by the Australian government and deeply disappointed that they have completely failed in their duty to protect Australian families,” Savrin said.
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“It’s hard to explain to the kids why this happened to their dad, especially now, this time of year. We’re all scared of not seeing him for a long time. My kids are very, very sad.
Dugan maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him, his family said.
In a statement, Dreyfus noted that a New South Wales magistrate judge in May found Dugan eligible to surrender to the United States.
“To ensure the safety of all persons involved and to maintain the integrity of the transfer process, and as a matter of long-standing practice, the Australian Government does not comment on operational matters related to extradition, including the timing and specific arrangements for the transfer of persons,” the Attorney General said.