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Australian A pilot accused of illegally training Chinese fighter pilots is due to be extradited to the US in early 2025 after the Australian government approved his surrender.
Daniel Duggan, 56, has been in a maximum security prison for more than two years, fighting extradition. He faces charges related to the training of Chinese fighter pilots in South Africa between 2009 and 2012, including staging the landings of seized aircraft, in violation of arms trafficking laws.
He was arrested in Australia in October 2022. His arrest followed an investigation by Australian authorities into the practice of offering ex-servicemen lucrative pilot training contracts in China.
Mr Duggan, who maintains his innocence, could face up to 60 years in prison if convicted.
His family expressed their disappointment at the decision, with his wife Saffrine Duggan saying: “We are shocked and absolutely heartbroken by this callous and inhumane decision that was made just before Christmas with no explanation or justification from the government.”
Duggan’s family is considering their legal options, including seeking specific reasons for the government’s decision. “We feel abandoned by the Australian government and deeply disappointed that they have completely failed in their duty to protect the Australian family,” she said.
“It is very difficult for the children to explain why this is happening to their father, especially now, at this time of year. We are all terrified that we may not see him for a very long time. My children are very, very sad.”
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus confirmed on Monday that he had approved Mr Duggan’s extradition US.
“Recognizing the public interest in this matter, I confirm that on 19 December 2024 I have ordered under section 22 of the Extradition Act 1988 (Cth) that Daniel Duggan should be extradited to the United States to face criminal prosecution for which he is accused,” Dreyfus said in a statement.
“Mr. Duggan was given the opportunity to present an argument as to why he should not be handed over to the US.” When making the decision, I took into account all the material that was in front of me,” he said.
“To ensure the safety of all persons involved and to maintain the integrity of the surrender process, as a matter of long-standing practice, the Australian Government does not comment on operational matters relating to extradition, including the timing and specific arrangements for the surrender of a person.”
Earlier, the father-of-six made a last-ditch effort to avoid prosecution in the US, handing Mr Dreyfuss an 89-page document outlining reasons why extradition should not go ahead.
Mr Duggan, a former US Marine who served for more than a decade, moved to Australia in 2005 and set up a flight school in Tasmania. He has been an Australian citizen for almost 13 years but is now due to be extradited by February next year.
In 2014, Mr. Duggan moved to China to work as an aviation consultant at the South African Flight Test Academy.