Australia to extradite Daniel Duggan to US over 'training' of Chinese pilots

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Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine pilot, is set to be extradited from Australia to the United States after the Australian government approved his surrender.

Duggan has been in maximum security detention in Australia for over two years, fighting his extradition. The decision was confirmed by Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus on December 19, 2024. Duggan will be handed over to US authorities in early 2025.

Duggan’s family expressed their devastation at the decision, which was made just before Christmas. “We are shocked and absolutely heartbroken by this callous and inhumane decision,” his wife, Saffrine Duggan, said in a statement.

She also criticized the Australian government for its lack of explanation or justification for the extradition. The family is now considering legal options, including requesting further clarification of the decision.

Dreyfus confirmed that Duggan was provided an opportunity to argue against his extradition before the decision was made. “In arriving at my decision, I took into consideration all material in front of me,” Dreyfus stated.

Duggan’s extradition follows an indictment by US authorities, which accuses him of arms trafficking and money laundering linked to the alleged training of Chinese fighter pilots.

The US charges claim Duggan, 55, trained Chinese pilots in carrier-arrested landings, a maneuver for landing jets on aircraft carriers, at a flight academy in South Africa with ties to China.

Duggan allegedly received payments for these services in 2011 and 2012, violating US arms trafficking laws. If convicted, Duggan faces up to 60 years in prison.

Duggan’s family, including his six children, all of whom are Australian citizens, is particularly distressed by the timing of the decision, which comes close to Christmas. “It is very difficult to explain to the children why this is happening to their father, especially now, at this time of year,” Saffrine Duggan said.

The family maintains that Duggan is innocent and denies the allegations against him.

Duggan’s extradition follows a May 2024 ruling by a New South Wales magistrate, who found that he was eligible for surrender to the US.

Attorney General Dreyfus emphasised that the Australian government does not typically comment on operational matters related to extradition, including the timing and arrangements for surrender.

The family is now focusing on their next legal steps, hoping for more transparency and seeking further information from the government about the reasons behind the extradition decision.