In a significant development in international extradition cases, Daniel Duggan, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot and naturalized Australian citizen, is challenging the Australian government’s decision to extradite him to the United States.
Duggan, 55, was arrested in October 2022 in New South Wales at the request of U.S. authorities. He faces charges including conspiracy, arms trafficking, and money laundering, related to allegations that he provided military training to Chinese pilots without the required authorization from the U.S. government, thereby violating the Arms Export Control Act. Specifically, between 2009 and 2012, Duggan is accused of training pilots, including Chinese nationals, in landing on aircraft carriers while working at a flying academy in South Africa.
Australia’s Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, approved the extradition in December 2024, concluding Duggan’s two-year legal battle to avoid being returned to the U.S. Duggan’s family has expressed feelings of abandonment by the Australian government, highlighting the severe impact on them and criticizing the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Duggan, who has been an Australian citizen for 13 years, denies all allegations, asserting that he only provided training to civilians and never to military pilots. His legal team is investigating whether U.S. authorities, in collaboration with Australian security services, “lured” him back to Australia to facilitate his arrest and extradition, a tactic that would be illegal under Australian law. They argue that Duggan’s security clearance was revoked shortly after his arrival in Australia, raising questions about the legality of his detention.
Since his arrest, Duggan has been held in a maximum-security facility under conditions his family and legal representatives describe as “inhumane.” A complaint filed with the United Nations human rights committee alleges that his imprisonment is causing severe psychological distress and that he is not receiving appropriate medical treatment for existing health conditions. A clinical psychologist who evaluated Duggan characterized his detention conditions as “extreme” and warned of the risk of developing serious depressive disorders.
This case underscores the complexities of international extradition proceedings, especially when they involve allegations of sensitive military-related activities. It also highlights the challenges faced by individuals detained under such circumstances, including concerns about legal processes, detention conditions, and the impact on their families.
As the extradition process moves forward, it will be essential to monitor how these legal and humanitarian issues are addressed, particularly concerning Duggan’s rights and well-being during detention and trial.
