Wildlife smuggling is a serious offense in Australia, with each offense with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000 or both.
A Chinese national who was arrested in Australia for attempted smuggling in December 2024 was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison for attempting to mail native Australian reptiles to Hong Kong in November 2024.
Shiyao Wang, 27, was attempting to ship 19 blue-tongued lizards hidden in socks, work boots, tackle boxes and cosmetics bags when she was arrested by Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Environmental Crime Investigators. In addition, investigators intercepted a domestic delivery of 35 more natives reptiles, including Blue-tongued lizards, Eastern Ranges rock skinks, and Cunningham’s skinks.
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“This sentence sends a strong message to the community that wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated. Anyone found to be attempting to profit from the illegal export of Australia’s wildlife will face serious consequences including jail time,” a DCCEEW department spokesperson said in a statement released to the media.
“Australia’s unique fauna is in huge demand overseas and Australian licensed reptile breeders, pet stores and hobbyists must prevent our native animals from falling into the hands of cruel and inhumane illegal wildlife trafficking syndicates.
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“If you are involved in the sale and supply of native specimens, you must comply with state and territory native animal keeping laws. If you aid, abet, counsel or procure native specimens for these syndicates you will face consequences. If you suspect an activity does not comply with our legislation, report it immediately. You can report a breach through the department website or call 1800 110 395.”
Wildlife smuggling is a serious offense in Australia, with each offense with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000 or both.
