A DiDi rideshare driver accused of kidnapping and raping a teenage girl was granted bail, but the judge overseeing his case on Thursday was not informed. Amarbayasgalan Yondonlodoi, a Mongolian national, was scheduled to appear in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court via audio-visual link from prison. Instead, he appeared in person and was reportedly free to move in and out of the courthouse.
Judge Hugh Donnelly noted that his court documents listed Yondonlodoi as being in custody. However, it emerged that the 51-year-old had been granted bail in the same court on June 12. Yondonlodoi, who required a Mongolian interpreter for his court appearance, had only been in Australia because a prior refusal of his visa was recently overturned.
Yondonlodoi was arrested on June 3, following allegations that he kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl the previous day. The incident allegedly occurred when Yondonlodoi, en route to Sydney Airport for another passenger, picked up the teen, who was on her way to work. According to the charges, approximately 20 minutes into the journey, Yondonlodoi pulled over his vehicle, entered the back seat, and assaulted the passenger. The alleged victim was subsequently taken to a hospital, while Yondonlodoi reportedly continued working for DiDi until his apprehension.
He faces charges of aggravated sexual assault for depriving liberty and for taking or detaining a person with the intent to gain an advantage, causing actual bodily harm. Despite an initial denial of bail, it was revealed that Yondonlodoi had been living in the community for nearly seven weeks. Judge Greg Grogin had previously granted him bail under specific conditions, including surrendering his passport, refraining from approaching any international departure points, and having no contact with prosecution witnesses. He was also required to report to Mascot police station three times a week.
After his case was adjourned until September, Yondonlodoi left the court accompanied by a woman and his lawyer. His lawyer reportedly attempted to prevent Daily Mail photographers from taking pictures, allegedly taking photos of a reporter on his phone and using a folder to block the camera's view, while threatening to call the police.
DiDi issued a statement confirming that Yondonlodoi was immediately suspended following his arrest and that the company was cooperating with law enforcement. The company emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and its ongoing efforts to maximize platform security.
Further details revealed that the Department of Home Affairs had initially rejected a joint student visa application for Yondonlodoi, his wife, and another relative. The application was refused because a delegate determined Yondonlodoi's wife was not a genuine student applicant. However, an appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) resulted in the original decision being overturned, with the tribunal deeming the wife a genuine applicant. This outcome meant Yondonlodoi and the other relative were also permitted to have their applications processed as family members.
An ART spokesperson stated that the tribunal considers each case on its merits, reviewing facts, new information, and submissions from applicants and the minister. The case has prompted calls from the federal opposition for the current government to review its migration and visa procedures, with concerns raised about tribunals overturning visa cancellations for individuals deemed unsuitable to be in the country.