Couple are accused of keeping a female slave in their home whom they allegedly controlled and abused for 10 months
- Couple accused of modern slavery
A couple have been arrested and charged with modern slavery after allegedly keeping a woman under ‘coercive control’ at their Melbourne residence.
The 44-year-old man and 29-year-old woman from Point Cook are due to appear in court today after an eight-month investigation by the Australian Federal Police.
Authorities were tipped off in October 2022 by a health worker who visited the address concerned that the woman might “display indicators of human trafficking.”
The AFP claims the woman was ‘held in domestic servitude at Point Cook’s home between January and October 2022’.
Officers raided the building on October 27 last year.
Two AFP officers escort one of the detainees charged with slavery
The husband and wife have both been charged with owning a slave, using coercion and threats to induce another person to enter and remain in servitude and control over a slave.
The offenses carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
AFP Detective Simone Butcher said the AFP provides training to first responders, health workers and the community to recognize indicators of human trafficking and slavery.
More to follow.