Two men have been charged over the alleged trafficking of exotic animals and protected Australian fauna following a joint investigation by Strike Force Raptor detectives and Commonwealth Department of Agricultural, Water and Environment enforcement officers.
Last year, detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor commenced an investigation into alleged money laundering offences relating to the unlawful trafficking of exotic animals and protected Australian fauna.
Detectives were assisted throughout the investigation by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE), NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
During the course of the investigation, officers uncovered a criminal syndicate involved in the illegal trade of native and exotic fauna across Australia, Canada, Asia and the United States of America.
Two men have previously been charged over the alleged trafficking of protected animals.
As part of their inquiries, detectives also uncovered criminal activity including large-scale fraud and money laundering.
Following extensive investigations, officers executed six search warrants at homes at East Hills, Petersham, Greystanes, Riverstone, Whalan and Albion Park Rail from 6am today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).
During the searches, police located several native and exotic animals including Australian magpies, a Death Adder, a Red-bellied Black Snake, a Burmese Python, lizards and turtles.
All of the unlawfully kept animals were seized by authorised wildlife handlers.
Investigators also seized mobile phones, computers and electronic storage devices, which will undergo forensic examination.
A 55-year-old man was arrested at the East Hills home and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with 72 offences including;
- Obtain money by deception (x37)
- Possess identity info to commit etc indictable offence (x5)
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal
- Dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (x4)
- Deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence (x5)
- Make, possess etc equipment etc to make false document
- Export regulated native specimen without permit/exemption (x8)
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity (x8)
- Knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime
- Deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal (x2)
Police will allege in court that the man coordinated the illegal trade of Australian native animals and illegal importation of exotic fauna.
It will be further alleged that the man obtained nearly $1 million through large-scale identity fraud and $50,000 through money laundering offences.
He was refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 25 June 2020).
A 27-year-old man was arrested at the Greystanes home and taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal, deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal, possess regulated live specimen from unlawful import and possess non-native CITES/regulated specimen.
Police will allege in court that the man assisted in facilitating the illegal trade of Australian native animals and illegal importation of exotic fauna.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Wednesday 22 July 2020.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow, said the syndicate were responsible for organising and facilitating the illegal sale of animals across the country and overseas.
"Throughout this investigation, detectives identified an international criminal syndicate involved in trading native Australian animals and exotic fauna for significant financial benefit," Det Supt Critchlow said.
"A range of animals have been seized during this investigation, including exotic tortoises, turtles, Burmese Pythons, Iguanas and crocodiles.
"In June last year, investigators seized two albino Iguanas that were allegedly purchased by members of this syndicate for $10,000, along with 160 other reptiles.
"Earlier this year, two Zero Bearded Dragon Lizards were sold for $5,000 and seized by police after they were allegedly posted as mail items.
"Not only have some of these animals been found in terrible conditions, some were located deceased through lack of basic care.
"Together with our partner agencies, NSW Police will continue to target those that profit from animal cruelty offences including illegal trade and importation," Det Supt Critchlow said.
Investigations by Strike Force Raptor are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
