Sydney man charged with trafficking wife and leaving her in Pakistan

By MAISY RAE – NEWS REPORTER 02:33 12 Oct 2026, updated 02:34 12 Oct 2026

A Sydney man who allegedly trafficked his wife from Australia to Pakistan under the pretence of a holiday, before leaving her there stranded, has been released on bail.

Muhammad Bilal Khan, 35, allegedly took possession of his wife’s passport and identification documents before leaving Australia earlier this year.

Police allege the woman was deceived into believing she was flying to Pakistan for a holiday, however once there, she was told she’d have to stay there permanently while Khan returned to Australia alone.

It’s alleged Khan purchased a one-way return ticket to Australia for himself and did not disclose this to the woman.

The woman’s passport and identification documents were also allegedly withheld, and she was prevented from joining him.

After receiving a report on the matter earlier this year, Federal Police investigators raided a home in Sydney’s west on September 16 and seized electronic devices, an airline ticket, and identification documents.

Khan was arrested and later charged with one count of facilitating the exit of another person from Australia by using threat, deception or coercion.

He fronted Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday and was granted bail.

Exit trafficking is a form of human trafficking where someone uses coercion, threats, deception, or force to transport a person out of a country, or overseas against their will.

If convicted of the offence, Khan could face a maximum sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment.

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said exit trafficking was an insidious offence that carried maximum jail terms of 12 years’ imprisonment.

‘Carrying out actions to force or deceive someone to leave Australia is a criminal offence, and the AFP will not hesitate to act and investigate these matters,’ Det Supt Needham said.

‘Potential indicators that an individual is being exit trafficked include travelling without a passport in their own possession, not having a return ticket or phone, and not being able to provide their personal contact details on bookings.

‘If anyone suspects they, or someone they know, has been a victim of exit trafficking, the AFP encourages them to come forward. All reports will be taken seriously and appropriately assessed with dignity, and the AFP can help victims obtain the support and assistance.

The matter is next due to be heard at the Downing Centre on December 1.

If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237).

Do you know more? Email [email protected]

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