- Human Trafficking
- Debt Bondage
- Scholarship Scam
Dual Australian–Nigerian woman faces 31 charges over trafficking Papua New Guinea students into forced labour under false scholarship promises in Australia.
Shocking Trafficking Scam Targets Papua New Guinea Students
A 56‑year‑old woman, holding dual Australian–Nigerian citizenship, has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with multiple human trafficking offences. She allegedly lured Papua New Guinea (PNG) nationals to Australia between March 2021 and July 2023 under the pretence of offering fully funded scholarships.
The purported scholarships promised tuition, accommodation and visa support—creating genuine hope for many aspiring students. Instead, upon arrival, these individuals were reportedly coerced into forced labour on farms across Queensland, immersed in debt bondage to repay fabricated costs.
The Arrest and AFP Investigation
The AFP arrested the accused when she landed at Brisbane Airport from PNG on 11 June 2025. Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer of AFP Northern Command emphasised the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation.
“Victims of debt bondage and other human trafficking offences can be lured to Australia with a promise of a dream career or free education – things they may not have access to in their home country,” Det‑Supt Telfer said. “If that promise turns into exploitation, victims can be left isolated and helpless in a foreign land. The AFP is focused on safeguarding their welfare and bringing offenders to justice.”
How the Scheme Allegedly Operated
- Recruitment: The accused recruited at least 15 PNG nationals, promising free education and full scholarships in Australia.
- Debt Fabrication: Upon arrival, students were forced to sign documents committing them to repay inflated fees for tuition, airfares, visas and legal expenses.
- Forced Labour: To repay the debts, students were coerced into working on Queensland farms—sometimes breaching visa conditions.
- Wage Withholding: The accused collected wages directly from farm owners and retained all payments, further deepening the victims’ indebtedness.
Charged Offences and Potential Sentences
- Four counts of trafficking in persons: carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.
- Fourteen counts of deceptive recruiting for labour or services: each carrying up to seven years’ imprisonment.
- Thirteen counts of debt bondage: punishable by up to four years behind bars.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The accused has been charged with 31 offences in total. She appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court and was granted conditional bail. She is next scheduled to appear on 19 September 2025.
AFP’s Message to the Community
Detective Superintendent Telfer reiterated the dangers of exploitation. He urged individuals to verify scholarship offers carefully, seek independent advice and report anything suspicious. “Fraudulent promises of education and employment can quickly become a trap of debt and isolation,” he warned.
Protect Yourself from Similar Scams
- Verify credentials: Confirm scholarship providers with official university or government sources.
- Read all agreements: Seek legal advice before signing any contract, especially those that impose financial obligations.
- Independent advice: Use migration agents, education counsellors or legal professionals to check program legitimacy.
- Report concerns: If an offer appears too good to be true, contact the AFP or Australian Border Force for advice.
Why This Case Matters
This case starkly highlights how organised offenders exploit migrants and international students. By manipulating dreams of education, traffickers can control and abuse vulnerable individuals. The AFP’s ongoing investigations serve as a cautionary reminder of the importance of systemic vigilance.
Final Thoughts
The arrest and prosecution of this individual demonstrate Australia’s commitment to combating human trafficking and labour exploitation. If you or someone you know is approached with a scholarship offer—or any opportunity—that seems suspicious or demands repayment through work, pause, investigate and seek trustworthy guidance. Together, we can help prevent education from being twisted into exploitation.
Comments from our readers
Shocking betrayal
It's unbelievable that someone would exploit vulnerable students like this. We've got to protect our future leaders, not let them fall into such horrific traps!
Serious Concerns Raised
This shocking case underlines the desperate need for better regulation and awareness around scholarship offers. It's crucial for authorities to improve protections for vulnerable migrants, preventing exploitation before it occurs.
What a scholarship
Wow, who knew a trip to Australia came with a side of forced labour? Next time, I'll read the fine print: 'All-inclusive, except your freedom and dignity!' Cheers to predators luring in hopeful students with dreams of education. Sounds like a new reality show, 'Survivor: Trafficked Edition'!
Thank you for the awareness
I'm grateful for this article highlighting such an important issue. It’s crucial to raise awareness about human trafficking scams, especially targeting vulnerable students. Let’s spread the word and protect those at risk!
Human trafficking exploitation
This case illustrates the alarming strategies employed by traffickers exploiting vulnerable populations. The systematic approach of promising scholarships only to trap students in debt bondage highlights deficiencies in safeguarding procedures within the educational sector. Rigorous measures and increased awareness are crucial to combat such exploitation effectively.