Two Australian women from Victoria have been charged by the Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) with crimes against humanity offences allegedly committed in Syria.
The women, aged 53 and 31, are expected to face Melbourne Magistrates Court today (8 May, 2026), after being arrested on arrival into Melbourne International Airport yesterday (7 May, 2026) by the Victoria JCTT.
The 53-year-old woman was charged with:
Crimes Against Humanity – Enslavement, contrary to section 268.10 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth),
Crimes Against Humanity – Possess a Slave, contrary to section 270.3(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth),
Crimes Against Humanity – Use a slave, contrary to section 270.3(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), and
Crimes Against Humanity – Engage in slave trading – Purchase, contrary to section 270.3(1)(b) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
It will be alleged the woman travelled to Syria in 2014 with her husband and children, and was complicit in the purchase of a female slave for US$10,000, and knowingly kept the woman in the home.
The 31-year-old woman was charged with:
Crimes Against Humanity – Enslavement, contrary to section 268.10 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), and
Crimes Against Humanity – Use a slave, contrary to section 270.3(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
It will be alleged the woman travelled to Syria in 2014 with her family and knowingly kept a female slave in the home.
The women were detained by Kurdish forces in March 2019 and held with other family members in Al Roj Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Stephen Nutt said operational planning for the potential return of individuals from the Middle East started in 2015 and later formalised under an overarching operation named Kurrajong.
“Australian JCTTs methodically investigated all Australians who travelled to declared conflict areas and will ensure those who are alleged to have committed a criminal offence are put before the courts,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
“JCTTs include some of the most experienced national security investigators and analysts in our country.
“This remains an active investigation into very serious allegations.”
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said the safety of all Victorians remains paramount.
“Victoria Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and other agencies to ensure there is no risk to our local community,” Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said.
“We want to reassure all Victorians that anyone residing in our state who has committed serious criminal offences, including those returning from conflict areas, will be held to account.”
The Victoria JCTT comprises the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO.
The priority for law enforcement is to ensure the safety of the community, and suspicious activity can be reported to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400; or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police also recognise this information may be distressing for some people in the community, and support is available. Anyone feeling overwhelmed is encouraged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.