A dual United States-Nepalese national is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (8 April, 2025) charged with allegedly committing an act of indecency on an international flight.
The AFP will allege the man, 67, committed an act of indecency on a female passenger who he did not know during a flight from Los Angeles, United States, to Sydney, New South Wales, yesterday (7 April, 2025). The passenger alerted airline staff to the alleged incident, who then notified the AFP.
AFP officers interviewed passengers and airline staff when the aircraft arrived at Sydney Airport.
The man was charged with one count of an act of indecency without consent, contrary to section 60(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), by virtue of section 15(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said everyone had the right to feel safe from inappropriate behaviour, including on an aircraft.
"No one deserves to be subjected to unwanted attention under any circumstance, particularly when isolated and confined on a long-haul flight," Sydney Airport Police Commander Copelin said.
"When people are bound by Australian law and there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action.
"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."
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
