Point Cook couple accused of keeping a slave

A Point Cook couple has been charged with keeping a woman as a slave, allegedly bashing her in a bid to control her every move.

Point Cook couple Angie Ling Liaw, 29, and Chee Kit Chong, 44, have been charged with keeping a slave. Photo: Facebook

A Point Cook couple have been charged with keeping a slave after healthcare workers alerted police to a “vulnerable” woman who was allegedly bashed and ordered into servitude for almost a year.

Husband and wife Chee Kit Chong, 44, and Angie Yeh Ling Liaw, 29, have been charged by AFP with “modern-day slavery offences” against a woman at their home between January and October, 2022.

It comes after AFP launched a probe in October after a healthcare organisation reported concerns for the woman who was “allegedly exhibiting indicators of human trafficking”.

Their house was raided soon after, and Mr Chong was charged with two offences.

In April, a further charge was added for Mr Chong, while his wife, Ms Liaw, was also charged with the same offences last month.

The pair were arrested following a raid on their Point Cook home. Picture: AFP

The charges include possessing a slave, using coercion and threats to cause a person to enter into and remain in servitude, and exercising control over a slave.

Police claim the pair “exercised coercive control over the other woman, subjected her to physical assaults and controlled her movements”.

Facing Melbourne Magistrates’ Court via video link on Thursday morning, Mr Chong and Ms Liaw heard that prosecutors were concerned about the “vulnerability” of the woman they allegedly held as a slave.

Prosecutor Zoe Hough, for the Commonwealth, said the woman would not be cross-examined by her accused captors’ lawyers in a future hearing to test the evidence against them, because it was against the Crimes Act.

Medical staff were among witnesses who would give evidence.

A court sketch of Chee Kit Chong and Angie Ling Liaw, 29. Picture: Mollie McPherson

Despite issues with legal representation for the accused couple, Magistrate Andrew McKenna ordered a short adjournment only, stating “the concern is the complainant will be anxious about the upcoming case”.

Defence lawyer Payne Wu, for Ms Liaw, said he was not yet instructed to act for Mr Chong but believed there would not be a conflict in representing them both.

Their case was put off until June 19 to give time for their legal issues to be sorted out.

Mr Chong was captured on camera during his arrest by AFP officers at an industrial property last year.

AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher called on first responders, healthcare workers and community members to help authorities recognise signs of human trafficking and slavery.

“Everyone can play a role in stopping human trafficking,” she said.

“We encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking or sees something suspicious to report it.

“Without the assistance of the community - in this case healthcare professionals - victims may go undetected and we would not be able to provide victims the help and support they need.”

The slavery offences carry a maximum 25 years jail time.