SYDNEY (AFP) -- An alleged people smuggler who organized a voyage in which hundreds of boatpeople drowned has been extradited from Sweden to face trial in Australia, officials in Canberra said Friday.

Justice Minister Chris Ellison said Khaleed Shnayf Daoed, an Iraqi national, would face court on 12 charges of people smuggling and one of money laundering after arriving in Brisbane early Thursday.

Daoed is alleged to be the organizer of a boat known as SIEV-X, which sank in waters north of Australia in October 2001, killing 353 asylum-seekers.

"Daoed's extradition is particularly welcome given his alleged role in the SIEV-X tragedy and the Australian government is grateful for the cooperation shown by the Swedish authorities in this matter," Ellison said.

Ellison said prosecutors also believed Daoed organized another voyage which brought 147 illegal migrants to Australia in August 2001.

Daoed faces up to 20 years in jail.

He said Australia had sought the extradition of another man, Abu Quassey, from Egypt in connection with the SIEV-X voyage.

However, Egypt has launched its own prosecution against Quassey for people smuggling and a decision is expected on December 27.

Ellison said Daoed's extradition followed the successful extradition of two other alleged people smugglers, Ali al Jenabi and Hasan Ayoub, from Thailand.

"The Australian government will take all steps possible to ensure the criminals behind the abhorrent practice of people smuggling will be brought to justice, wherever they are in the world," he said.