A syndicate that lured vulnerable women and girls from Indonesian slums to work in Sydney brothels has been foiled, police say.
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A 43-year-old man allegedly involved in trafficking a 17-year-old girl has been charged, while another woman remains under arrest for enticing women from the southeast Asian country.
About 20 brothels across Sydney and the Central Coast are believed to be linked to the syndicate's exploitation, which police allege involves multiple victims.
Australian Federal Police Commander Kate Ferry said at least nine women were alleged to have been brought to Australia on tourist visas to work in brothels under dire conditions.
Seven people have since been removed from the sexual exploitation ring across NSW, while a number of other female foreign nationals have been identified as potential victims of human trafficking.
Police will also allege there were another six women in Jakarta being prepared to be trafficked to Australia for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
"There's a huge power disparity between the victims of this crime and the perpetrators," Ms Ferry said.
"They come from vulnerable situations in their home country
"Sometimes they do not have faith in police or they're scared.
"They're frightened and a lot of them don't speak English either."
The investigation began in December 2022 when the Australian Federal Police received information alleging foreign nationals were arriving in Australia and being forced into sexual servitude in breach of their visa conditions.
Ms Ferry said she was confident authorities have disrupted the "well established" criminal syndicate.
The 43-year-old man, from Arncliffe in Sydney's south, is alleged to have been working as the onshore facilitator for the recently arrived women after working with a woman in Jakarta who was allegedly recruiting victims.
He was charged with one count of trafficking in children, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
The man was scheduled to appear in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court later on Tuesday.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Australian Associated Press
