A Northern Territory man has been sentenced to imprisonment to be served by way of 18 months' home detention for his involvement in a people smuggling venture to Australia in 2024 and is further subject to an Intensive Community Correction Order (ICCO).
The Muirhead man, 23, pleaded guilty in February, 2025 to one charge of people smuggling contrary to section 233A(1) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), and was yesterday (16 December, 2025) sentenced by the Northern Territory Supreme Court.
In July 2024, the AFP linked the man to the illegal activity and executed a search warrant at his previous residence in the Darwin suburb of Johnston, on 1 August 2024. That same day, the man was arrested and charged with people smuggling, paid to collect unlawful non-citizens on arrival into the Northern Territory by boat.
AFP Commander Melinda Phelan APM said the AFP works closely with law enforcement partners both on and offshore to disrupt those attempting to facilitate the unlawful entry of individuals or groups into Australia.
"The AFP is part of a whole-of-government approach, through the Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, to disrupt and deter people smuggling activities," Commander Phelan said.
"People smugglers willingly place the lives of others at risk, for their own financial gain.
"Those who engage in this illegal activity, including making attempts to collect unlawful non-citizens from people smuggling ventures to Australia, will face the consequences of the law."
Commander Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter RAN, said the sentencing today demonstrates the effectiveness of Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders.
"Operation Sovereign Borders' mission is clear: to prevent the permanent settlement in Australia by people seeking to come irregularly by boat," Rear Admiral Sonter said.
"Operation Sovereign Borders' 16 federal government agencies will continue to work together to disrupt these criminal networks and support a fair and lawful migration system."
