Source : Perth Now news
A DiDi rideshare driver accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenager had previously had his visa refused by Home Affairs.
Amarbayasgalan Yondonlodoi was arrested at Sydney International Airport while dropping off a customer about 6.30pm on Wednesday after he allegedly assaulted a 17-year-old in the back of his car.
The teenager was picked up by Mr Yondonlodoi on her way to work in North Sydney about 7.30am on Tuesday.
About 20 minutes into her ride, the driver allegedly stopped the car, jumped into the back seat and sexually assaulted the teenager.
“About 7.30am on Tuesday, police were called to Carlow St, North Sydney, following reports a 17-year-old girl had allegedly been sexually assaulted while travelling in a rideshare vehicle in the North Sydney area,” NSW Police said in a statement.
The teenager was assessed and taken to hospital.
The 50-year-old driver continued with the rideshare company after the alleged assault before he was arrested on Wednesday night.
Mr Yondonlodoi, his wife and a third person had a joint application for a student visa refused by Home Affairs in 2023, as his wife was not considered a genuine temporary entrant, court documents show.
The Administrative Review Tribunal of Australia set aside the decisions of Home Affairs and sent the visa applications for reconsideration as they determined the primary applicant, Mrs Munkhzul Dashjugder met the criteria for a visa in January.
There is no suggestion Mr Yondonlodoi committed any offences prior to the incident in North Sydney, nor that he is guilty of the offence for which he has been charged.
Mr Yondonlodoi was charged with enter take or detain person with intent to obtain advantage cause actually bodily harm, and aggravated sex assault – deprive liberty at Surry Hills police station.
He was remanded in custody on Thursday after appearing in bail court. He will return to court on July 30.
In a statement to Seven News, DiDi said the 50-year-old was “immediately suspended” from the company.
“We worked closely with law enforcement in its investigation into the matter,” the company said.
“The safety of the entire ridesharing community is always our top priority.
“All passengers should feel safe and respected during their trip and we will continue our mission to maximise the safety of our platform for the wellbeing of our passengers.
“We will continue to work with law enforcement and the regulator in their continued investigations and provide support to the passenger when needed.”
