Former US Marine pilot loses appeal against extradition from Australia

A retired US Marine pilot, Daniel Duggan, 57, will be extradited to the United States after his attempt to stay in Australia was rejected by a Federal Court judge. Arrested in October 2022 in Orange, New South Wales, Duggan is accused of violating US arms-trafficking laws by training Chinese fighter pilots in South Africa between 2010 and 2012. Despite denying the allegations and holding Australian citizenship, his appeal was dismissed on Thursday, allowing his removal.

Duggan’s wife expressed disappointment outside the courthouse, urging the government to take action. She described her husband as “an ordinary Australian going about his business who broke no Australian law,” according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The couple has endured 1,273 days of emotional strain since his arrest at a supermarket parking lot after dropping their children off at school.

The US court documents claim Duggan provided military training to Chinese forces without seeking authorization from Washington. As a former US citizen who has renounced his status, he could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted. His legal team previously argued that Australia lacked equivalent legislation to cover the US charges, a key requirement for extradition. However, in 2024, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus approved the transfer.

Duggan now has 28 days to challenge the court’s decision, which also mandates he cover the government’s legal expenses. The lengthy case has cost the family approximately half a million dollars, with financial strain worsening after an injunction blocked the sale of their home, as reported by the Australian Associated Press.

“Our family has suffered terrible trauma since Dan was arrested,” Saffrine Duggan said, highlighting the years of stress and financial burden.

With the extradition confirmed, Duggan remains in a maximum security prison while awaiting his transfer. His case underscores the legal complexities of international law enforcement cooperation.