Alleged people smuggler in Australia
The Age (online)
November 7, 2003 - 9:19AM

Alleged people smuggler Khaleed Shnayf Daoed, who Australia authorities have linked to the deaths of 353 people aboard the ill-fated SIEV-X, has been extradited to Australia.

Justice Minister Chris Ellison said Daoed arrived in Brisbane this morning from Sweden and will face court later today.

Federal authorities allege Daoed helped organise the SIEV-X's voyage, which ended when the vessel sank north of Australia in October 2001.

"Daoed's extradition is particularly welcome given his alleged role in the SIEV-X tragedy and the Australian government is grateful for the cooperation shown by the Swedish authorities in this matter," Senator Ellison said.

Senator Ellison said Daoed, an Iraqi, would face 12 charges relating to people smuggling under the Migration Act, which carry jail sentences of up to 20 years.

He also faced a charge of money laundering that arose from his people smuggling activities.

Senator Ellison said the prosecution would allege that Daoed was an organiser of the SIEV-X voyage and that of another boat which brought 147 illegal migrants to Australia in August 2001.

Daoed was brought to Brisbane by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who had been working closely with Swedish police on the case.

"His extradition is the result of a long and successful investigation by the AFP and the Department of Immigration's People-Smuggling Strike Team," Senator Ellison said.

He said Daoed was a co-accused of Abu Quassey, whom Australia wanted extradited from Egypt. However, the Egyptians say they are prosecuting Quassey themselves for his role in organising vessels, including SIEV-X, to take illegal migrants to Australia.

A decision is expected on December 27. Senator Ellison said Daoed's extradition followed the successful extradition of two other alleged people smugglers, Ali Al Jenabi and Hasan Ayoub, from Thailand.

- AAP

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