Former US Marine Pilot Loses Extradition Appeal in Australia
Daniel Duggan, a 57-year-old former US Marine pilot and Australian citizen, has lost his appeal against extradition to the United States. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed his case, paving the way for his removal to face charges related to allegedly illegally training Chinese fighter pilots in South Africa between 2010 and 2012. Arrested in New South Wales in October 2022, Duggan is accused of violating US arms-trafficking laws by providing military training without government permission. He faces up to 65 years in prison if convicted. Although Duggan’s legal team argued that Australia lacks equivalent laws for the specific charges, former Attorney General Mark Dreyfus approved the extradition in 2024. Duggan, who renounced his US citizenship, denies the allegations. His wife expressed disappointment, describing the prolonged legal battle as traumatic and financially draining for their family. Duggan has 28 days to appeal the Federal Court’s decision and has been ordered to pay government legal costs. This ruling marks a significant development in a long-standing international legal dispute involving national security concerns and extradition treaties between the US and Australia.
Wire timeline
Former US Marine Pilot Loses Extradition Appeal in Australia
Daniel Duggan, a 57-year-old former US Marine pilot and Australian citizen, has lost his appeal against extradition to the United States. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed his case, paving the way for his removal to face charges related to allegedly illegally training Chinese fighter pilots in South Africa between 2010 and 2012. Arrested in New South Wales in October 2022, Duggan is accused of violating US arms-trafficking laws by providing military training without government permission. He faces up to 65 years in prison if convicted. Although Duggan’s legal team argued that Australia lacks equivalent laws for the specific charges, former Attorney General Mark Dreyfus approved the extradition in 2024. Duggan, who renounced his US citizenship, denies the allegations. His wife expressed disappointment, describing the prolonged legal battle as traumatic and financially draining for their family. Duggan has 28 days to appeal the Federal Court’s decision and has been ordered to pay government legal costs. This ruling marks a significant development in a long-standing international legal dispute involving national security concerns and extradition treaties between the US and Australia.
BBC News