Ex-US Marine Pilot Loses Extradition Appeal in Australia Over China Training Charges
An Australian Federal Court judge has rejected an appeal by Daniel Duggan, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, against his extradition to the United States. Duggan faces charges for allegedly illegally training Chinese military aviators between 2010 and 2012 while working for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa. Justice James Stellios ruled that no jurisdictional error occurred when former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus ordered the extradition in 2024. Duggan, who denies the allegations and claims political motivation, has been held in maximum security custody since his 2022 arrest in New South Wales. Prosecutors allege he received approximately 88,000 Australian dollars for these activities without proper licensing. Following the ruling, Duggan’s wife, Saffrine Duggan, stated the family would consider further legal options and seek intervention from current Attorney-General Michelle Rowland. However, the Attorney-General’s office confirmed Duggan will remain in custody pending surrender to U.S. authorities. Duggan, an Australian citizen who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2012, served twelve years in the Marines before migrating to Australia. The case highlights ongoing legal tensions regarding international military training regulations.
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Ex-US Marine Pilot Loses Extradition Appeal in Australia Over China Training Charges
An Australian Federal Court judge has rejected an appeal by Daniel Duggan, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, against his extradition to the United States. Duggan faces charges for allegedly illegally training Chinese military aviators between 2010 and 2012 while working for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa. Justice James Stellios ruled that no jurisdictional error occurred when former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus ordered the extradition in 2024. Duggan, who denies the allegations and claims political motivation, has been held in maximum security custody since his 2022 arrest in New South Wales. Prosecutors allege he received approximately 88,000 Australian dollars for these activities without proper licensing. Following the ruling, Duggan’s wife, Saffrine Duggan, stated the family would consider further legal options and seek intervention from current Attorney-General Michelle Rowland. However, the Attorney-General’s office confirmed Duggan will remain in custody pending surrender to U.S. authorities. Duggan, an Australian citizen who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2012, served twelve years in the Marines before migrating to Australia. The case highlights ongoing legal tensions regarding international military training regulations.
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