Yuteng Zhang, 32, and Jess Fang Ching Ting, 37, allegedly mistreated a 36-year-old woman after she arrived in Australia by confiscating her passport, underpaying her and forcing her to pay off excessive debts.
The pair are also accused of submitting false information on multiple visa documents relating to the woman and another six foreign workers, according to the Australian Federal Police.
AFP Human Trafficking Team acting Sergeant Kevin Loermans alleged the couple repeatedly provided fraudulent information on visa applications to try to subvert immigration laws.
One of the other workers, now 38, Â worked at the couple's massage business in early 2023 for three months.
"We allege they aimed to profit from exploiting vulnerable foreign workers who may be unwilling to complain because they have fewer support networks and less understanding of workers' rights in Australia or the help available to protect them," Sgt Loermans said.
Zhang and Ting appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday charged with nine counts each of presenting a forged or false document.
They are also charged with one count each of improper use or possession of a foreign travel document, offences relating to visa permits and intentionally engaging in conduct that caused another person to enter into debt bondage.
The court heard two complainants named Belinda and Daisy were in an AFP protection program that provided accommodation and support for 90 days.
It allows the "informant" time to decide whether they will assist the AFP with its investigation, the Commonwealth's lawyer said.
Ting's legal team indicated she would fight the charges.
Both parties' legal teams asked the court to vary Zhang and Ting's bail conditions to allow them or their lawyers to speak to the women for a defence statement.
Magistrate Thomas Hall declined.
The matter was adjourned to August 9 and bail was extended for Zhang and Ting.
22°C