A Melbourne couple have faced court today charged with modern-day slavery offences after allegedly keeping a woman as a slave in their Point Cook home.
It is alleged the pair exercised coercive control over the woman, limited her movements and physically assaulted her at their home in Melbourne's south-west for 10 months between January and October 2022.
Chee Kit Chong, 44, and wife Angie Yeh Ling Liaw, 29, were charged with possessing a slave, using coercion and threats to cause another person to enter into and remain in servitude and exercising control over a slave.
The Australian Federal Police said the property was raided in October last year after a tip-off from a healthcare worker who allegedly noticed signs of human trafficking in the woman.
On Thursday, the pair appeared via videolink before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court while on bail.
Representing Ms Liaw, Payne Wu from Hiways Lawyers told the court his firm was likely to also provide representation for Mr Chong but needed more time to confirm that there were no conflicts of interest.
The case was adjourned for a further hearing in mid-June to allow time for Mr Chong to find legal representation.
The magistrate said it was possible several witnesses, including hospital and medical staff, would be called as part of the upcoming committal hearing, likely to be heard in September or October this year.
The AFP said it had seen an increase in reports of modern slavery and human trafficking, with 294 reports recorded in the 2021-22 financial year, compared to 224 in the previous year.
If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 25 years in jail.
Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said the AFP actively engaged in education for first responders, healthcare professionals, and the community to help them recognise the indicators of human trafficking and slavery.
"Everyone can play a role in stopping human trafficking. We encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking or sees something suspicious to report it," she said.
"Without the assistance of the community … victims may go undetected and we would not be able to provide victims the help and support they need."
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking or slavery offences, you can make a report to the AFP by calling 131 AFP (131 237).
