Border Force turns back foreign women in sex trafficking crackdown

Two women have been denied entry to Melbourne as part of a major clampdown on sex trafficking and slavery after admitting they flew here to illegally work in the sex industry.

There are close to 400 illegal brothels operating in Victoria.

Two Japanese women have been turned back from Melbourne as part of a major crackdown on modern slavery and sex trafficking.

The pair’s travel plans were identified as suspicious before they were intercepted last week by Australian Border Force officials at Melbourne Airport.

The joint agency Operation Inglenook is trying to identify women at high risk of becoming victims of modern slavery after coming to Australia to work for unscrupulous elements in the sex industry.

“Both women were interviewed by Australian Border Force officers after they matched an Operation Inglenook profile,” an ABF statement said.

“During their interviews both women admitted to travelling to Australia to illegally work in the sex industry.

One of the women told ABF officers she was planning on working in a brothel.”

The women had arrived on a Qantas flight under subclass 601 visitor visas, which were immediately cancelled.

The women had arrived on a Qantas flight under subclass 601 visitor visas, which were immediately cancelled. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

They were refused immigration clearance and detained at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation at Broadmeadows before being put on a flight home.

Inglenook is zeroing in on those exploiting visa programs and moving to protect visa-holders who are victims of trafficking or modern slavery practices within the sex industry.

It is being led by ABF and also involves the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.

The operation has scrutinised 175 persons of interest and, in 22 cases, cancelled visas, identification of unlawful non-citizens or blocked immigration clearance.

There has been “targeted disruption” of 77 businesses.

ABF acting Commander Vaughan Baxter said Inglenook would continue to go after criminals who exploit foreign workers for profit.

“This was a deliberate attempt to enter the country under false pretences, and full credit to the ABF officers at Melbourne Airport who picked them up,” A/g Commander Baxter said.

“Illegal foreign workers are extremely vulnerable and can be forced to work in the sex industry, experience severe underpayment and endure poor treatment – or all of the above.

“The unscrupulous criminals facilitating their entry into the country profit at their expense.

Australian Adult Entertainment Industry spokesman William Albon said there were close to 400 illegal brothels operating in Victoria.

Mr Albon said he had seen no evidence of the kind of activity Inglenook is trying to prevent occurring in the licensed sector.

“They’re not going to jeopardise their investment in the licensed sector. You’re looking at custodial sentences and asset confiscation,” Mr Albon said.