Police are appealing for more potential victims to come forward after charging an Asian man with sexually assaulting a woman at Melbourne Airport.
The Australian Federal Police said staff told officers a woman had allegedly been touched inappropriately by a stranger at the airport on Sunday, September 8.
The man was found and charged with sexual assault, but officers said that during the search they were made aware of four similar alleged assaults, and believe the potential victims may have boarded flights afterwards.
“A review of CCTV footage showed another three women may have also been assaulted by the man,” the AFP said.
“The AFP is urging any other victims who may have been touched inappropriately to come forward.
“The man is described as being of Asian appearance, 170cm tall with a slightly grey ‘goatee beard’.
“He was wearing a green beanie, a black hooded jumper and carried a large black bag over his shoulder.”
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Emily Nicholson said the AFP took a zero tolerance approach to anti-social and illegal behaviour at Australian airports.
“It is quite troubling that these alleged sexual assaults took place in a public place in full view of a number of witnesses,” Ms Nicholson said.
“We believe there may be other potential victims who subsequently boarded flights that we are yet to get in contact with.”
The man will face Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on December 5.
The maximum penalty for the offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
Investigations are ongoing.
