Extradition request filed by US government against Australian fighter pilot

The US seeks extradition of former fighter pilot arrested in Australia accused of helping train Chinese pilots to land on aircraft carriers.

Daniel Duggan.

The US government has filed a formal extradition request against a former fighter pilot arrested in Australia accused of helping train Chinese pilots to land on aircraft carriers.

Daniel Duggan is accused by the US government of providing “military training” to People’s Republic of China pilots” through a South African flight school on three occasions in 2010 and 2012.

Appearing before Downing Centre Local Court, a lawyer acting on behalf of the US government said on Friday morning an extradition request had been made against the 54-year-old Australian citizen, who was previously a US citizen and air force pilot.

Mr Duggan’s lawyer Dennis Miralis told the court he was not aware the request had been made.

Earlier this week an indictment was unsealed, revealing the former marine pilot was facing four US charges, including conspiracy to unlawfully export defence services to China, conspiracy to launder money, and two counts of violating the arms export control act and international traffic in arms regulations.

Daniel Duggan.

Prior to the extradition request being revealed in court, Mr Miralis told the court the Australian citizen’s request to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus to make an interim order for his release was being considered.

He also said his client would be making a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Committee regarding his “inhumane” treatment in custody on the “basis of ongoing refusal” of medical treatment.

Mr Miralis previously told the court his client had “ongoing denial of medical treatment”, and told the court a complaint had been made to Corrective Services, and directly to Kevin Corcoran, Corrective Services Commissioner.

“Notwithstanding that complaint Mr Duggan continues to be denied basic medical treatment.

The court was also told the complaint would include that Mr Duggan had been designated as a “high risk” inmate.

“No explanation has been provided by Corrective Services as to why that classification was initially implemented and continues to be implemented against Mr Duggan,” Mr Miralis said.

The father of six was arrested by Australian police in the NSW town of Orange in October at the request of the US government as part of a co-ordinated crackdown by the Five Eyes intelligence partners, including Australia, to prevent retired fighter pilots training Chinese military for payment.

Duggan will return to court on December 20.