The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged a 44-year-old man with causing harm to an Australian citizen overseas, the first time someone has been charged in Western Australia with the offence.
The Casuarina man, who was living in Thailand at the time, is accused of attacking his elder brother with bladed knuckle dusters during his brother's visit in February 2019.
The AFP will allege the wounds were so severe the victim, then aged 46, needed emergency surgery to remove damaged internal organs.
The 44-year-old was arrested in Perth's southern suburbs yesterday (Wednesday, 26 August) and was refused police bail to appear in Perth Magistrate's Court today (Thursday, 27 August).
He faces a potential 20 years' imprisonment if convicted of intentionally causing serious harm to an Australian citizen or resident outside Australia, contrary to section 115.3(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The AFP began investigating after the accused man's brother reported the alleged assault in October 2019.
Between then and August 2020, the AFP has been working with the Royal Thai Police to investigate this matter.
Police will allege the brothers had argued late one evening, while doing some painting to refurbish a bar that the accused man was planning to open in Pattaya.
At about 3am, the elder man asked when he would be paid for his work, which allegedly prompted his brother to throw a paint roller into a nearby tray and splash paint over his shoes.
After the two men and the accused man's girlfriend returned to the then 42-year-old's home, police will allege the elder man tried to call a relative in Australia before locking himself in a bedroom and going to sleep.
Police will allege that a short time later, the accused forced his way into the bedroom by using knuckle dusters that each had a single extending blade.
When the elder man got out of bed, the accused - still armed with the knuckle dusters - allegedly punched him in the lower back, chest and both sides of his torso, inflicting severe stab wounds.
Police will allege one uppercut punch with the bladed weapon caused serious stomach wounds.
The accused fell to the floor but allegedly continued to strike the injured man about the legs and lower torso, causing numerous stab wounds.
Police will allege the attack ended after the 46-year-old man fought back and punched the accused in the head.
The injured man was driven to hospital by his brother's girlfriend, where his injuries were treated.
He returned to Perth in late February 2019, after doctors told him it was safe to travel.
His brother remained in Thailand until late 2019, when he returned to WA.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Tim Knight said the AFP will never give up our fight for those wronged - here or overseas.
"We will seek justice for crimes committed against Australians no matter where they are committed," Detective Acting Inspector Knight said.
"With more than 200 AFP personnel posted in 33 countries, the AFP has a unique international remit and we have strong relationships with key international partner agencies.
"We are thankful to the Royal Thai Police, who are helping us with the investigations and who do not want any violence on their shores."
