Facing charges of Human Trafficking or Slavery in Qld?

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Choosing the best Human Trafficking & Slavery lawyer in Qld

Human trafficking and slavery offences are among the most serious crimes under Australian law.

These offences involve the movement and control of individuals for exploitation and are criminalised under Divisions 270 and 271 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

If you are charged with human trafficking, slavery, forced marriage, or related offences, you must seek early legal representation, as these offences are highly complex and prosecuted aggressively.

If you are charged or being investigated, seeking early advice will make a difference to the outcome.

Call us, or fill in our Quick Enquiry form to receive a link to our free guide, 16 Things You Need to Do Now if Charged with a Criminal Offence. 

Call (07) 3012 6531

Types of human trafficking and slavery-related charges

Human trafficking charges typically involve movement, either within Australia or across international borders, and control, which can take many forms, including:

  • Abduction

  • Deception

  • Abuse of power or leadership

  • Fraud

  • Coercion, threats, or debt bondage

  • Taking advantage of vulnerability

The control exercised over an alleged victim can lead to additional offences, including:

  • Slavery (s 270.3(1) – Maximum 25 years’ imprisonment

  • Servitude (s 270.5) – Maximum 15 years’ imprisonment

  • Deceptive recruiting (s 270.7) – Maximum 9 years’ imprisonment

  • Forced marriage (s 270.7B) – Maximum 7 years’ imprisonment (or 9 years for aggravated offences)

  • Forced labour (s 270.6A(1) – Maximum 12 years’ imprisonment (aggravated) or 9 years (standard)

  • Trafficking in persons (s 271.2) – Maximum 12 years’ imprisonment

  • Debt bondage (s 271.8) – Maximum 4 years’ imprisonment

  • Organ trafficking (s 271.7B) – Maximum 20 years’ imprisonment

These charges can be highly complex and often involve evidence from multiple jurisdictions, financial transactions, surveillance, and cooperation between Australian and international law enforcement agencies.

How to defend human trafficking and slavery charges

Human trafficking and slavery offences require a strong and experienced defence. Potential legal defences may include:

  • Lack of intent – You had no knowledge of, or did not intend to engage in, trafficking-related conduct.

  • Duress – You were coerced or threatened into participating.

  • Mistaken identity – You were wrongly identified.

  • Consent and lawful work agreements – The alleged victim was not unlawfully controlled or coerced.

If you are under investigation or facing human trafficking or slavery-related charges, the consequences can be severe. A conviction may lead to lengthy imprisonment, asset confiscation, and deportation for non-citizens.

FAQ - Keypoints Human Trafficking and Slavery in Qld

  • Human trafficking is when someone uses coercion, threats, or deception to move another person across or within borders so they can be exploited.

    Exploitation can include forced labour, sexual servitude, debt bondage, forced marriage, servitude, or slavery.

  • Exit trafficking happens when someone is coerced, threatened, or tricked into leaving Australia against their will.

    A case in Victoria involved a man who deceived his wife into travelling overseas before taking her children and passport back to Australia.

    He was convicted and sentenced to more than four years in prison. The maximum penalty is 12 years’ imprisonment.

  • Entry trafficking occurs when a person is brought into Australia under false pretences so they can be exploited.

    Victims are often promised legitimate opportunities such as work, education, or marriage, only to find themselves controlled or exploited once they arrive.

    The offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment.

  • Child trafficking happens when a child is moved for exploitation, even if no threats or lies are involved.

    This can include forced marriage, sexual exploitation, or unpaid work. The maximum penalty is 25 years’ imprisonment.

    • A young woman was protected from being forced into an overseas marriage after police placed a travel alert and moved her to safe accommodation.

    • A man was jailed after discarding his partner overseas and returning to Australia with her passport and children.

    • Other cases have involved people brought to Australia for work, who were then exploited through forced labour or sexual servitude.

  • Penalties depend on the type of conduct. For example:

    • Exit or entry trafficking – up to 12 years’ imprisonment

    • Forced labour – up to 9 years, or 12 years in aggravated cases

    • Forced marriage – up to 7 years, or 9 years if aggravated

    • Servitude – up to 15 years

    • Slavery – up to 25 years

    Courts also look at factors such as the age of the victim, the level of coercion, and whether the conduct was repeated or planned.

Facing serious charges in Qld?

If you or someone you know needs urgent legal advice, contact us now.

Call us on (07) 3012 6531 or fill in our Quick Enquiry form for a confidential discussion with our Brisbane criminal lawyers. 

Call (07) 3012 6531