Iraqi People Smuggler Arraigned in Australia

Phil Mercer
Brisbane
07 Nov 2003, 12:48 UTC

An Iraqi has appeared in a Brisbane court, accused of attempting to smuggle hundreds of illegal
immigrants into Australia two years ago. Khaleed Daoed was extradited from Sweden to face 12
charges, including people trafficking and money laundering.

Australian authorities have linked Khaleed Daoed to the deaths of 353 people aboard the SIEV-X,
which sank north of Australia in October 2001. The federal government alleges that Mr. Daoed
helped organize that ill-fated voyage. He also is suspected of helping arrange another boat, which
brought 147 illegal migrants to Australia.

Magistrates in a Brisbane court on Friday ordered him held until December. He was extradited from
Sweden, where he was arrested in May.

Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison says the extradition was the result of a "long and
successful investigation" by federal police and the government's People-Smuggling Strike Team.

Mr. Daoed was handcuffed and appeared visibly shaken, when he appeared in court. He did not
enter a plea to the charges, which carry jail sentences of up to 20 years.

He is accused of working with another suspected people-trafficker, Abu Quassey, whom Australia is
trying to have extradited from Egypt.

Abu Quassey is being prosecuted in Cairo for allegedly organizing vessels to take illegal migrants
to Australia.

To stem the flow of illegal migrants, the Australian government has strengthened its maritime
border security.

Up to 12,000 refugees are resettled in Australia every year as part of official humanitarian
programs. The conservative government of Prime Minister John Howard, however, has tried to
deter asylum seekers from slipping into the country illegally. Those who do arrive illegally are held
in detention until their asylum claims are processed, which can take well more than a year.