CANBERRA, ACT, April 14 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force
An Indian national is expected to face Perth Magistrates Court today (14 April, 2026) charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger who he was seated next to on an international flight.
The AFP and Western Australia Police Force will allege the man, 52, committed non-consensual sexual acts on the passenger during a flight from Singapore to Perth yesterday (13 April, 2026).
The female passenger sought help from airline staff and was subsequently moved to another seat.
Airline staff monitored the man for the remainder of the flight and alerted the AFP.
AFP officers met the plane on its arrival at Perth Airport and escorted the man from the aircraft for questioning.
The AFP and WA Police Sex Assault Squad are jointly investigating the alleged incident.
The man was charged with:
* One count of sexual intercourse without consent, as applied by section 15(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act (Cth), contrary to section 54 of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 years' imprisonment; and* Three counts of an act of indecency without consent, as applied by section 15(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act (Cth), contrary to section 60 of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP had a zero tolerance for criminal behaviour on aircrafts or within Australian airports.
"Every passenger has the right to feel safe when travelling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers," a/Supt Brindal said.
"Anyone subjected to unwanted contact is encouraged to alert the authorities, be it airline staff, the AFP or airport security, as soon as it is safely possible to do so.
"No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is appropriate, and any travellers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
* Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing * Avoiding screening * Leaving bags unattended * Loitering * Concealing identity * Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
