The fight for Dan Duggan - Part 1: From 'Top Gun' to wanted man

The fight for Dan Duggan - Part 1: From 'Top Gun' to wanted man

From 7am by Solstice Media

April 26, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 1895

About this episode

The episode discusses Dan Duggan's arrest and the legal challenges he faces regarding extradition to the US.

In October 2022, Dan Duggan was arrested at a Woolworths in Orange, regional New South Wales, after dropping his kids off at school. American prosecutors claim the former US Marine pilot helped train Chinese military pilots in South Africa more than a decade ago, in breach of US arms trafficking laws. Duggan denies that, and says  he believed he was involved in lawful civilian flight training. He’s now facing extradition to the United States. But before the arrest, the charges, and before the extradition fight, Duggan was living as an Australian citizen, running a flight business in Tasmania, and building a life with his wife Saffrine and their children. Today, Dan Duggan’s wife, Saffrine Duggan on her husband’s fight for freedom from jail, and journalist and member of the  Free Dan Duggan Campaign, Michael Sainsbury, on how an Australian pilot became the target of US prosecution. This is part one of a two-part episode.   If you enjoy 7am , the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support .   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Saffrine Duggan and journalist and member of the Free Dan…

People in this episode

Guests: Saffrine Duggan, Michael Sainsbury

Topics covered

  • extradition
  • military training
  • legal battle
  • family
  • journalism
  • US prosecution

Keywords

  • Dan Duggan
  • extradition
  • US military
  • flight training
  • Saffrine Duggan
  • Michael Sainsbury
  • legal issues
  • Australia
  • China

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Free Dan Duggan Campaign

Places: Orange, Tasmania, South Africa, United States

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