Indonesian captain charged with people smuggling
Updated
![Chris Evans says the charge sends a strong warning to organisers behind people smuggling into Australia. [AAP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/aus_evans_aap_310707.jpg?<BR> "Chris Evans says the charge sends a strong warning to organisers behind people smuggling into Australia. [AAP]")
Chris Evans says the charge sends a strong warning to organisers behind people smuggling into Australia. [AAP]
A 35-year-old man from Indonesia, who captained a boat carrying 12 passengers into Australian waters, has been charged with an offence under the Migration Act.
Australia's immigration minister, Chris Evans, says the charge sends a strong warning to organisers behind people smuggling into Australia.
Senator Evans says the Australian government and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) will take all steps possible to ensure the people behind people smuggling are brought to justice.
"The AFP lead a very determined effort to try and bring to justice the people involved in the organisation or the people smuggling activities, they're often criminal gangs responsible for not only people smuggling but other illegal offences in South East Asia," he said.
The 35-year-old man was in charge of a boat carrying 12 passengers and one other crew member when it was intercepted near Ashmore Islands.
The group was taken to Christmas Island for processing.
