Singapore man to face SA court accused of smuggling $235,000 of endangered fish into Australia

WHEN Customs officers at Adelaide Airport opened this suitcase, they found some very unexpected contraband. It’s led to a Singapore man facing a highly unusual charge in court today.

A MAN from Singapore has faced court for attempting to smuggle $235,000 worth of endangered fish into the country — a crime carrying a maximum 10-year jail term.

Kuok Weai Alex Chang is charged with one count of importing in breach of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife, Fauna and Fauna, or CITES.

He appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, by video link, following his arrest at Adelaide Airport on February 2.

Court documents allege Australian Customs and Border Protection Services officers found 20 plastic bags concealed in Chang’s luggage after a flight from Singapore.

They further allege a number of endangered fish — some alive, some dead — were found inside those bags, and that the total value of the fish was $235,000.

Today Elim Chan, prosecuting, said Chang’s arrest had sparked further investigations and asked for a longer-than-usual adjournment so they could continue.

“There are international investigations underway, and the current charges may well not be the final ones,” she said.

“It is likely they will remain, as there is a substantial body of evidence to support them.”

She said some of that evidence was in the form of microchips located inside the smuggled fish.

“It appears that some rare species might be microchipped (by authorities) overseas,” she said.

“Their presence (in these fish) is indicative that they have been imported from overseas.”

Ms Chan said 26 of the fish seized from Chang’s luggage were believed to be from species listed under CITES, but that officers were seeking to verify the exact number.

Jessica Kurtzer, for Chang, said her client had intended to apply for bail but his proposed guarantor was no longer able to assist.

She asked the case be brought on some time in the next three weeks so he could seek bail again.

“I’m currently speaking with his employers in Singapore, who are assisting him,” she said.

“They are endeavouring to find a suitable address for him.”

Chang was remanded in custody until next month.

Asked if he had understood the hearing, and if he had any questions, Chang replied: “Can I call my family?”

In a statement, Customs regional commander James Watson said Chang’s arrest triggered a larger operation in conjunction with Federal and SA environmental authorities.

He said that, three days after Chang’s arrest, officers raided two addresses in Adelaide and located more CITES-listed fish.

One of those was an Asian Arowana, a species worth almost $30,000 on its own.

Mr Watson said the owner of those premises was bailed to face court at a later date.

“These arrests should send a strong message to anyone involved in wildlife smuggling,” he said.

“Customs and Border Protection is serious about working with our law enforcement partners to target you.”

Raelene Vivian, from the Department of Agriculture’s compliance division, said importing endangered fish risked the country’s biosecurity.

“When Australia’s import rules aren’t followed then risks go unchecked and put our precious aquatic and marine life, as well as our $2.3 billion fisheries industry, in real jeopardy,” she said.

“Our biosecurity officers are always on the lookout for intentional noncompliance and, when we detect it, we work across government to put an end to it.”

Anyone with information about illegal smuggling should contact Customs Watch on 1800 06 1800.