Convicted drug smuggler Debbie Voulgaris gives exclusive interview to 10 News+ from Taiwan prison

A Melbourne mum convicted of drug smuggling in Taiwan has made an emotional plea from prison in the first episode of 10 News +.

Australia’s newest investigative journalism program has kicked off with a bombshell program presenting evidence it claims can prove the innocence of Melbourne mum and convicted drug smuggler Debbie Voulgaris.

Channel 10’s new program 10 News+, which has replaced The Project, aired an exclusive interview with Ms Voulgaris from her Taiwanese prison on Monday.

Journalist Denham Hitchcock insisted the program had evidence to prove Ms Voulgaris’ innocence.

She is currently held at a women’s prison in Taipei, Taiwan serving a 15-year sentence for drug smuggling.

Ms Voulgaris alleged in the program that she went to Laos because of her husband John Voulgaris, but said she did not believe he would intentionally involve her in a crime.

“I wouldn’t think that he would hurt you, his children,” Ms Voulgaris told her children in a video call recorded by the program.

10 News+ alleged that Ms Voulgaris’ husband was caught up in a “black money scam” when he asked his ex-wife to travel.

It is a scam that presents victims with a narrative that a huge amount of money has been physically stained in some way, then victims will be instructed to retrieve money-cleaning chemicals in exchange for a portion of the money — instead drugs are likely smuggled in the suitcases.

The program alleged that Mr Voulgaris flew to London and Laos to pick up suitcases that were brought to a hotel in Melbourne.

Debbie Voulgaris says she is innocent of her drug smuggling, and pleaded guilty only in a bid to avoid the death penalty. Picture: 10 News

Mr Voulgaris then allegedly sent Ms Voulgaris to retrieve the next suitcase.

“Brother, I’m sending my ex-wife. Better nothing goes wrong,” a message sent from Mr Voulgaris’ to the alleged scammer’s account read.

Ms Voulgaris travelled to Laos twice to pick up suitcases, but again the money cleaning failed.

10 News+ alleged that Mr Voulgaris then became aware that the scheme may not have been what he initially believed.

Mr Voulgaris sent a message to the scammer: “You are risking money, I’m risking the mother of my children.”

Mr Voulgaris has not been charged with any crime and has previously said he and his ex-wife had been set up.

10 News+ said that Ms Voulgaris was struggling for money throughout the process of the alleged smuggling.

She was arrested at a Taiwanese airport with 7kg of heroin and cocaine in her suitcase.

Debbie Voulgaris, 58, from Melbourne, was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport on December 10, 2023, after cocaine and heroin were found in plastic bags inside her luggage. Picture: Supplied

The alleged scammer stopped replying to Mr Voulgaris’ messages following Ms Voulgaris’ arrest, 10 News reported.

Ms Voulgaris’ faced the death penalty and pleaded guilty, hoping for a lighter sentence.

Ms Voulgaris’ new lawyer, Michael Hsu, told the program he believed she was innocent.

“Debbie, definitely has no intention to trafficking any drugs into Taiwan.

“So, it is hard to imagine a normal housewife to be a drug mule,” Mr Hsu said.

In a video call between Ms Voulgaris and her children recorded by the program she begged for help to get home to her “angels”.

In a heartbreaking video Ms Voulgaris sang “you are my sunshine” to her children.

Mr Hitchcock doorknocked Mr Voulgaris’ home, but he did not open the door to the reporter.

He previously denied the allegations to Daily Mail Australia, declaring his ex-wife is “bloody innocent!’’

“We have been set up! We don’t know anything about bloody drugs and have never seen or touched them in our lives,” he said in May last year.

Asked about the case later on the program, Anthony Albanese said he was “aware” of Ms Voulgaris but refrained from “making a declaration as to her status”.

He said she had been given consular assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading but declined making further comment as she waits for her final chance at appeal.

”If you start commenting as an Australian Prime Minister about court processes overseas, then that will not assist the Australian citizen who is going through that process,” he told the program.

”But Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide support to the family. It obviously is a very distressing time.”

Journalists Denham Hitchcock and Walkley Award-winning journalist Amelia Brace will helm the new current affairs show. Picture: 10 News

In earlier promotional material, Mr Hitchcock and Ms Brace promise viewers the show will “put the truth first”.

Mr Hitchcock has also claimed Monday night’s episode would be “an absolute blockbuster”.

“It’s a story 60 Minutes, Four Corners and Spotlight would kill for,” he told Stellar Magazine.

The Project ran for 16 years, ending its run with a farewell show last Friday night.

Mr Aly, in an emotional tribute, said the show had “reflected the best of this country”.

“Could you do a prime time commercial news show that hooked its audience by playing with them instead of scaring them,” he said.

“That didn’t trade on demonising groups of people who have no platform to respond?

“Not the done thing. Well, we done the thing.”

The Project launched in 2009 and Friday’s finale was its 4504th episode.

Australian and international celebrities sent in supportive farewell video messages, with thanks and well wishes coming from G Flip, Robert Irwin, Jess Mauboy, Andy Lee, Pete Murray, Dannii Minogue, Katy Perry, Guy Sebastian and Shane Jacobson.

The Project’s longest-serving host, Carrie Bickmore, was close to tears thanking everyone she crossed paths with over 13 years.

Ms Bickmore left the show to devote herself fully to fundraising efforts.

Channel 10 is owned by US entertainment giant Paramount Global.

Originally published as Convicted drug smuggler Debbie Voulgaris gives exclusive interview to 10 News+ from Taiwan prison