Additional Coverage:
- Former Marines pilot who worked in China to be extradited to U.S., says Australia government (nbcnews.com)
Former US Marine Faces Extradition to US
Australia has approved the extradition of former US Marine pilot Daniel Duggan to the United States. Duggan is accused of violating arms control laws by training Chinese military pilots in landing on aircraft carriers.
Duggan was arrested in Australia in October 2022 after returning from China. His lawyers claim he was not a US citizen at the time of the alleged offenses and that the pilots he trained were not military.
Extradition Approved
Despite these arguments, the Australian Attorney-General has determined that Duggan should be extradited. The decision comes after a New South Wales magistrate ruled that he was eligible for surrender.
Duggan’s Family Devastated
Duggan’s family is “devastated” by the decision and is considering legal options. They maintain his innocence and believe the allegations are not considered a crime in Australia.
Allegations and Charges
Duggan is accused of providing training at a flying school in South Africa over 12 years ago. US authorities allege that he evaluated Chinese military pilots and instructed them on landing on aircraft carriers.
Duggan’s arrest has led to warnings from Britain and Australia to former military pilots about working for China. Australia has also passed laws to prevent former defense staff from training certain foreign militaries.