November 15th 2024.
A man from Colombia, Christian Diaz Suarez, is being held in custody after being accused of controlling a group of migrants and allegedly keeping them locked up in cupboards at his home in Adelaide. The 38-year-old is facing charges for his alleged operation that spanned across multiple locations in South Australia and New South Wales over the course of several years.
Suarez appeared in court today but did not apply for bail. The case has caused quite a stir, with some calling it a "stitch-up" and others expressing concern over proposed political laws. The investigation into Suarez began earlier this year when the Australian Federal Police received a report about his treatment of a small group of migrants from Venezuela. These individuals were reportedly members of a youth group that Suarez used to lead in their home country.
According to the federal police, Suarez helped these migrants migrate to Australia in 2015, with another group arriving the following year. But instead of helping them, he allegedly took control of their passports and used it as a means of maintaining control and subjecting them to abuse and servitude. The police also claimed that Suarez closely monitored his victims' movements, restricted their daily activities, and forced them to do chores. He also controlled their earnings and forced them to pay off debts that were enforced unfairly.
The situation became even more dire when Suarez allegedly locked the group out of their home on multiple occasions and kept them locked inside cupboards for days at a time. He also isolated them from their friends and family, controlling their communication and messages with loved ones. Yesterday, the federal police raided his home and arrested him, seizing electronic devices and documents as evidence.
Suarez has been charged with causing debt bondage, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and causing a person to enter into or remain in servitude, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. His lawyer has acknowledged that the case is complex and that they will be assessing the evidence and obtaining instructions before making any further decisions. When asked about a potential bail application, the lawyer stated that it is a possibility.
If convicted, Suarez could face up to 27 years in prison. He is expected to appear in court again in December.
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