Daniel Schoolmeester: Northern Coastal Fisheries owner charged with more human trafficking

A Northern Territory fisherman accused by police of “human trafficking” involving nine employees has had 15 more charges added on. Find out why.

A Northern Territory fisherman who was charged last year with 22 human trafficking offences has had 15 more charges added on after five more alleged victims were identified, federal police say.

Humpty Doo man Daniel Schoolmeester, 47, was arrested in the Arafura Sea off Maningrida in December 2023 after a crew member allegedly jumped into croc-infested waters in the middle of the night to escape the fishing boat.

Mr Schoolmeester, the owner of Northern Coastal Fisheries, was initially alleged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to have mistreated nine deckhands and coxswains who worked for him on his vessel and held them against their will.

Police allege Mr Schoolmeester, who was granted bail, lured the workers against their will via deceptive online advertisements.

Now, the AFP alleges it has identified an additional five victims who were subjected to the same mistreatment from the fisherman, after being recruited to work on his boat.

Alleged slave driver Daniel Schoolmeester, 47. Picture: File

He was charged on Wednesday with 15 new offences, five counts each of engaging in conduct causing another person to enter into or remain in servitude, conducting a business that involved the servitude of another person, and deceptive recruiting for labour or services.

He is expected to face Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Although initially appearing in the Darwin Local Court, Mr Schoolmeester’s charges that had been laid in the Territory were withdrawn and relaid in Queensland so as to not fall afoul of constitutional provisions.

Job advertisement allegedly posted by Daniel Schoolmeester. Picture: AFP/ Supplied

Speaking generally, AFP Acting Superintendent Tim Puchala said the AFP worked closely with its state, commonwealth and international law enforcement partners to identify and disrupt human trafficking offences.

“The AFP, together with our law enforcement partners, are committed to protecting the community from human trafficking, wherever it may occur,” Superintendent Puchala said.

Alleged slave driver Daniel Schoolmeester, 47. Picture: File

“Human trafficking offences occur when people are recruited or coerced for a particular purpose, transported across or within borders, and subjected to conditions of exploitation they did not agree to prior to their arrival in Australia.

“Our priority is the wellbeing and safety of victims. This is an extremely concerning case involving a significant number of individuals who were allegedly coerced into working in a horrendous and terrifying environment while being in a remote part of Australia.

“The AFP understands it can be incredibly difficult for vulnerable victims to come forward, and we want to assure them that there is help and protection available.”