Melbourne couple charged with slavery and abuse of Indonesian woman

Consensus Summary

A Melbourne couple, Chee Kit Chong and Angi Yeh Ling Liaw, are on trial for allegedly enslaving an Indonesian woman in their Point Cook home from early 2022 until she fled in October. The woman, who cannot be named, was reportedly subjected to beatings, food and sleep deprivation, and forced labor, including cooking, cleaning, and massaging Chong’s legs. Both accused denied the charges, with Chong claiming the woman was homeless and voluntarily helped out, while Liaw suggested the woman was taken in out of pity. The woman’s injuries—including a swollen ear, lacerations, and malnutrition—were documented at St Vincent’s Hospital after she escaped, leading to police intervention. The couple allegedly abandoned the woman in Malaysia for four years after moving there without informing her, leaving her homeless. The trial, which began in early 2024, highlights concerns about exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly those with unlawful immigration statuses. While both sources agree on the core allegations, details like the woman’s exact role before meeting Chong and the specifics of her punishment vary between reports.