Crime and Public Safety

2 Australians Charged With Firearms Trafficking Linked to Kidnapping of New Zealand Pilot

A two-year investigation has led to the arrest of two Australians accused of arming West Papuan militants who kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens in 2023.
2 Australians Charged With Firearms Trafficking Linked to Kidnapping of New Zealand Pilot
A man, identified as Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot who is said to be held hostage by a pro-independence group, stands among the separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region, in this undated picture released on Feb. 14, 2023. (The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)/Handout via Reuters)
Rex Widerstrom
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Two Australian men have been charged with allegedly trafficking firearms to the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB), a violent paramilitary group based in Indonesia.

The two-year investigation, which led to the arrests, was launched after members of the group kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in February 2023 on a remote airstrip in the Indonesian province of West Papua.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.