Cairns detectives charged what they described as a "well-known" Karumba man today after a lengthy investigation in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The man assaulted, threatened, and withheld food and water from crew members on board his fishing vessels, police will allege.
He faces a string of charges including assault, torture, slavery, rape, fraud and theft after police received reports the man allegedly threatened deckhands between 2020 and 2023.
Queensland Police acting inspector Jason Chetham said some of the deckhands were forced to work without wages, while some were made to sleep on the open deck of the fishing boats, and some took drastic measures to escape.
Chetham said some "were so scared for their lives and wellbeing that they dived from the boats, and swam through croc and shark-inhabited waters to the mainland".
Chetham said that the victims were generally young people from the Cape York area, with several men and a 25-year-old woman among the tormented deckhands.
"They're very vulnerable," he said, "and that's key to what's happening here".
"Once you get out on the boat there's not many options about what to do."
Referring to the captain, Chetham said "he's a large individual, and he's the skipper of the boat so that comes with a large amount of authority.".
On January 9, detectives under Operation Victor Diabelli searched a home in Karumba and four fishing vessels moored in nearby mangroves.
On board one of the boats, they allegedly found an illegal firearm.
Today, police charged the Karumba man with 18 counts of common assault, 10 counts of assault causing bodily harm and three counts of armed assault occasioning bodily harm.
He was also charged with five counts of torture, five counts of slavery and one count of stealing.
The man has been remanded in police custody and is expected to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on February 9.
Police are appealing for any further witnesses and victims to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Bradley McLeish said the community can be assured all complaints will be fully investigated.
"If you have information that could assist this investigation, we want to hear from you," he said.
He also issued a warning for anyone who might be threatening witnesses involved in the investigation.
"Victims who may be subject to harassment or intimidation in relation to speaking to police are assured that all offenders will be held accountable for their actions," he said.
"Anyone making threats to potential witnesses or victims can expect a visit from detectives very soon."
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2024-01-17 03:41:53Z
CBMihwFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvZmFyLW5vcnRoLXF1ZWVuc2xhbmQtZmlzaGVybWFuLWNoYXJnZWQtb3Zlci10b3J0dXJlLW9mLWRlY2toYW5kcy8zYjk4YTk3YS01MTUwLTQ4ZTgtYWFhMC03YWZjMWEwMWFkMmHSAQA
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