Alleged Sex Offender Nabbed Through International Biometrics Sharing

International collaboration in biometrics and data-sharing has led to the location overseas of an Australian man wanted on an outstanding rape charge in Victoria, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans has announced.

The case came to attention through a fingerprint data sharing trial conducted between the United Kingdom and the United States, as part of the work of the Four Country Conference (4CC).

The 26-year-old Australian citizen was living in the UK after fleeing Australia in 2006. Senator Evans said the location of the man demonstrated the value of international collaboration – both in resources savings and good immigration and law enforcement outcomes.

‘The man was discovered to be claiming asylum in the UK under a false identity and nationality,’ Senator Evans said.  ‘This came to light only because his fingerprints collected in the UK during the application process matched fingerprints previously collected by the US during transit through that country using an Australian passport.

‘My department then became involved in the case during follow-up on the issue of the Australian passport. It was discovered the man was in fact an Australian citizen whose passport had been canceled due to an outstanding rape charge in Victoria.’

The man was detained by UK authorities and returned to Australia, to face court proceedings, which began Friday in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, for the alleged rape in 2005.  The man was remanded in custody to appear at a later date.

Biometric data-sharing among Australia, the USA, the UK and Canada for immigration purposes is a project under the 4CC biometrics and technology sub-group. The countries are developing collaborative projects to achieve more effective border and immigration management.

Biometrics uses measurable biological characteristics to establish a unique identity for a person. Those characteristics are recorded and referred to for identification purposes.

In line with other countries, DIAC uses two biometrics: facial images and finger scans. These biometrics are being progressively rolled out to various immigration processes, including visa applications.

Biometric equipment is also used to collect facial images and fingerprints from people in immigration detention and illegal foreign fishers.

‘Better identity management and the use of biometrics are fundamental in the fight against identity crime and to secure Australia’s borders,’ Senator Evans said.

‘DIAC is the first point of contact for people coming to Australia. Biometric technology can permanently link them to a unique identity for all future interactions with the department.’

Senator Evans said biometrics data would only be shared in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the disclosure provisions of the Migration Act 1958.

Source: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

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