Daniel Duggan faces extradition for allegedly training Chinese military pilots
- Daniel Duggan has been in maximum security prison for over two years while fighting extradition to the U.S.
- He faces serious allegations of training Chinese military pilots illegally, which could lead to a 60-year prison sentence if convicted.
- His family is devastated by the decision, feeling abandoned by the Australian government and considering legal options.
Australia's federal Attorney General Mark Dreyfus confirmed the approval for the extradition of Daniel Duggan, a former U.S. Marine pilot, to the United States on December 19, 2024. Duggan has been in maximum-security prison in Australia for over two years while fighting extradition following his arrest in October 2022. He is accused of illegally training Chinese military pilots between 2010 and 2012, allegedly breaching arms-trafficking laws and receiving substantial payments for his services. If convicted in the U.S., Duggan could face a potential sentence of up to 60 years in prison. Upon receiving the news, Duggan's family expressed their devastation, stating they felt abandoned by the Australian government. The extradition decision came shortly before Christmas, prompting significant distress among his six children, who range in age from six to eighteen. His wife, Saffrine, voiced their shock at the timing and absence of justification for the decision, emphasizing the emotional toll on their family. The family is now considering their legal options, including seeking clarification on the government's reasoning behind the extradition. The U.S. alleges that Duggan trained Chinese fighter pilots at a test flight academy situated in South Africa and potentially China, in violation of arms trafficking regulations. A U.S. indictment, unsealed in late 2022, outlines these charges, which he denies. It further details Duggan's purported engagement in providing military training without appropriate licensing. This case raises significant questions about Australia's commitment to protecting its citizens amid international legal matters, particularly in light of the serious allegations involved. As Duggan awaits his transfer to the U.S., his family worries about the ramifications of this extradition on their lives. The situation evolves post the magistrate ruling in May 2024 that deemed Duggan eligible for extradition, leaving the attorney general's decision as his final opportunity to remain in Australia. The developments surrounding this case ignite discussions about the implications of extradition laws in Australia and their enforcement, especially concerning national security and international relationships.