Man charged over alleged attempt to traffic 163 native reptiles out of Australia

National Environmental Protection Agency Media Release 

A 21-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody over allegations he attempted to smuggle 163 native reptiles from Sydney to Hong Kong as air cargo.

The charges relate to reptiles concealed inside parcels of leather bags and slippers, bound for Hong Kong, between December 2025 and March 2026.

The man, a Chinese national, is scheduled to appear again at Downing Centre Local Court on 28 October.

Investigators from the National EPA intercepted 38 packages containing shingleback lizards, blue-tongued lizards, dragon species, eastern hooded scalyfoots and Cunningham’s skinks.

The export of regulated wildlife without a permit is an offence under national environmental law.

Offenders face up to 10 years’ prison, a maximum $364,000 fine, or both.

Anyone involved in or found to be aiding and abetting illegal wildlife trade, including benefitting from their proceeds, can face jail time of up to 20 years.

Investigators allege an international wildlife trafficking syndicate used an Australian reptile breeder to obtain native animals for illegal export.

As part of the investigation, last month officers conducted a search at an Australian reptile breeder’s residence in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. They seized electronic devices, 2 dead lizards, and a live lizard in poor condition. The search was a joint operation with SA Police and SA Department for Environment and Water.

Dani Yannopoulos, Head of Compliance and Enforcement at the National Environmental Protection Agency said that:

“Australia’s unique native wildlife is highly sought after by criminal networks operating in the global illegal pet trade.

“The illegal trade in Australia’s precious native wildlife is cruel, causing them stress and suffering through restricted movement and lack of water, food, ventilation and temperature control.

“The National EPA works with partners – like the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – to disrupt the networks they use to ship the animals out of Australia.

“We take our responsibility seriously to regulate the export of Australian wildlife and hold offenders to account.

“Illegal wildlife trade activities can be reported anonymously here: Report illegal wildlife activities or by calling 1800 976 422.”