People smugglers arrested, given free pass to help hunt bosses. By Zach Hope, Amilia Rosa and Nick McKenzie, SMH

The fisherman turned people smuggling foot soldier, who this masthead and 60 Minutes tracked to a remote village in Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi province, has described his relief in escaping criminal charges in Darwin.

He struck a deal with authorities in Jakarta to trace the organised criminals running the networks, who are stepping up their efforts to test Australia border security.

People smugglers arrested, given free pass to help hunt bosses. By Zach Hope, Amilia Rosa and Nick McKenzie, SMH