Top Gun pilot to be extradited to US over claims he illegally trained foreign pilots

An Australian who previously served as a US marine pilot has lost his lengthy fight against extradition to the US over allegations he illegally trained Chinese pilots.

A former US marine pilot who became an Australian citizen nearly 13 years ago had been informed he will be extradited to the United States of America over claims he illegally trained Chinese pilots.

Daniel Edmund Duggan, 55, has been in custody since October 2022 following a request from the US to extradite him for charges of conspiracy, arms trafficking and money laundering.

American authorities allege he breached money laundering and arms export control laws while teaching foreign pilots at a flying academy in South Africa more than 12 years ago.

The father-of-six is also accused of breaching US arms control laws by instructing pilots, including Chinese citizens, on how to land atop an aircraft carrier.

Former Top Gun pilot Dan Duggan has been informed he will be extradited to the US.

The US authorities allege he was paid more than $110,000 for his expertise but he had not sought the government’s permission to undertake the role.

Mr Duggan has consistently denied the allegations, which have not been tested in court.

He and his family have fought for two years against attempts to extradite him to the US to face court over the allegations.

On Friday, his wife and six children received a short letter informing them Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus had determined to surrender Mr Duggan to the US.

In a short statement, Mr Dreyfus confirmed his decision, acknowledging the “public interest in the matter”.

However he did not comment on the operational matters, including the timing of the decision, in order to “ensure the safety of all persons involved and to uphold the integrity of the surrender process”.

“I confirm that on 19 December 2024 I determined under section 22 of the Extradition Act 1988 (Cth) that Daniel Duggan should be extradited to the United States to face prosecution for the offences of which he is accused,” he said.

Mr Duggan’s wife Saffrine and their kids Ginger 7, Hazel 8, and Jack, 10. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“On 24 May 2024, Mr Duggan was found by a New South Wales Magistrate to be eligible for surrender to the United States.

“Mr Duggan was given the opportunity to provide representations as to why he should not be surrendered to the United States. In arriving at my decision, I took into consideration all material in front of me.”

Mr Duggan’s family were told he would be extradited sometime after December 30 and before February 17 next year.

“We are shocked and absolutely heartbroken by this callous and inhumane decision which has been delivered just before Christmas with no explanation or justification from the Government,” Mr Duggan’s wife Saffrine said.

“We feel abandoned by the Australian Government and deeply disappointed that they have completely failed in their duty to protect an Australian family.”

Mr Duggan’s family and legal team are now considering all legal options, including requesting specific reasons for the government’s decision to approve the extradition.

Mr Duggan’s lawyer Bernard Collaery said the timing of the decision was “inconvenient” and noted he had not received any response to the argument against extradition made in August.

Upsized – Pictured is Daniel Duggan, his former business was Top Gun Tasmania (Australia).

He said the extradition treaty allows for a 60 day period after the Attorney-General’s approval of the request before surrender becomes mandatory.

“I expect the Albanese Government to deal with this renewed request humanely and allow us to secure instructions, convoke our legal colleagues and if necessary initiate court action,” he said.

“This is now family time and I expect the Prime Minister to respect the lives of all concerned including public servants and ensure that no precipitate action is taken.”

Mr Duggan has been in custody for 26 months while he fought extradition, 19 of which were spent in solitary confinement.

“It is very difficult to explain to the children why this is happening to their father, especially now, at this time of year,” Mrs Duggan said.

“We are all terrified that we may not see him for a very long time. My children are very, very sad.”

Originally published as Top Gun pilot to be extradited to US over claims he illegally trained foreign pilots