Daniel Duggan, a 55-year-old ex-US fighter pilot and Australian citizen, will be extradited to the United States after being accused of unlawfully assisting the Chinese military.
Duggan was arrested in Australia in October 2022 on U.S. orders. Authorities allege he violated arms trafficking laws by training Chinese pilots in South Africa between 2010 and 2012, for which he was reportedly paid $100,000.
His family confirmed today that the extradition is set to occur between December 30 and February 17. Duggan’s wife, Saffrine, expressed devastation, criticizing the Australian Government for its lack of transparency and support.
“We are shocked and absolutely heartbroken by this callous and inhumane decision… My children are very, very sad,” she said.
The family denies the allegations’, stating Duggan was a part-time flying instructor during the period in question. They argue the charges are politically motivated, citing the strained relations between China and the U.S.
Duggan, an Australian citizen for 13 years, has spent over two years in a Sydney prison.