A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 2 years and 10 months in prison for wildlife smuggling offences.
Zipeng Huang, a Chinese national, attempted to mail 27 reptiles to Hong Kong. The reptiles were hidden inside boots and socks.
Our environmental crime team detected 9 parcels containing the reptiles between 2022 and 2024.
Found in the parcels were:
- 2 lace monitors
- 3 blotched blue-tongued lizards
- 6 western blue-tongued lizards
- 7 shingleback lizards
- 9 common blue-tongued lizards.
Huang was arrested in August 2024 following a search of a residence in Mount Waverly, Victoria.
Huang was also charged with 11 state-based offences by the Conservation Regulator. He received a conviction and $5,000 fine.
Judge Hassan of the County Court of Victoria ordered that Huang serve a minimum sentence of 12 months.
This arrest is part of Operation RAV, an investigation targeting illegal and cruel wildlife crime.
Working together with Victoria Police, Australian Border Force and Victoria's Conservation Regulator, Operation RAV sends a strong message: if you get involved in the illegal wildlife trade you will be caught and feel the full force of the law.
Exporting Australian wildlife is a serious offence under Australia's national environment law. Each offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000 or both.
If you suspect an activity does not comply with our legislation, report it immediately. You can report illegal wildlife activities, or call 1800 110 395.
