Alleged people smuggler could be extradited

Iraq-born Maythem Radhi is fighting extradition to Australia at the Manukau District Court. File photo / NZ Herald

An alleged people-smuggler could be extradited to Australia to face up to 20 years in jail.

Iraq-born Maythem Radhi is fighting extradition to Australia at the Manukau District Court for his alleged involvement in the sinking of a boatload of 421 asylum seekers.

The 34-year-old is allegedly one of three men responsible for the SIEV X voyage which sank while carrying hundreds towards Christmas Island.

About 146 children, 142 women and 65 men drowned when the boat sank south of Indonesia on October 18, 2001.

Indonesian fisherman rescued 41 survivors who had managed to stay alive until 20 hours after.

Mr Radhi was arrested by police on July 28, The West Australian reported.

Two other men, Abu Quassey and Khaleed Daoed, are in prison for their role in organising the SIEV X voyage.

Mr Quassey was sentenced to seven years in an Egypt jail and Mr Daoed is serving a sentence of nine years in a Queensland prison after he was convicted of people smuggling in 2005.

Mr Radhi could be jailed for up to 20 years in Australia if he is found guilty of people smuggling.

He will reappear in court on October 14.