German sailor charged with aiding drug smuggler escape

A German sailor named Thomas Goertz has been charged with assisting a drug smuggler in fleeing Australia. Goertz, 51, was arrested in Darwin by Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Friday. He faces one count of people smuggling linked to his involvement with Sayit Erhan Akca, 35. Akca is connected to a fake terror plot involving explosives found in a caravan in Dural. This plot is believed to have been aimed at distracting law enforcement and influencing a prosecution. Akca was already facing serious charges, including dealing with more than $100,000 in proceeds from crime, when he escaped. The AFP's Operations Harrakis and Ironside are investigating organized crime and have arrested others involved in helping Akca. Sean Eamon Ryan, 57, was charged with aiding Akca's escape and granted bail. He is expected in court in May. Goertz is described as a self-proclaimed "hedonistic sailor" who frequently shares his adventures on social media. He allegedly hired Ryan as a deckhand days before leaving for Phuket on a yacht in September. The yacht reportedly arrived in Phuket on November 2. AFP officials have stated that anyone who helps criminals escape will face serious legal consequences. Goertz is set to appear in court on Monday.