Alleged exotic fish smuggler wanted to keep endangered Asian Arowana as a pet

A Vietnamese national allegedly hid one of the world’s most expensive aquarium fish in a bag around his neck before he was caught with it at Adelaide Airport.

Van Ho Le. Picture Dean Martin

A Vietnamese national who allegedly smuggled one of the world’s most expensive aquarium fish to Australia in a bag around his neck planned to keep it as a pet.

Van Ho Le, 34, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for the first time today, where he is yet to enter a plea to one count of importing a specimen in contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Australian Border Force officials arrested Le at Adelaide Airport last month after he allegedly pulled out the bag containing a fully red Asian Arowana during a frisk search. He had just stepped off a flight from Malaysia.

He was arrested at Adelaide Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle an endangered fish around his neck. Picture: Australian Border Force

Outside court, Le said he “didn’t know nothing” about the endangered species, which is also known as a dragon fish, and had planned to “keep it as a pet”.

“It’s not serious, I didn’t take it that seriously … I didn’t think it was that serious,” he said.

He said he had no plans to sell the fish, which could fetch upwards of $1000 in Australia.

The fish is endangered and its trade is controlled under the International Convention in Trade of Endangered Species, to which Australia is a signatory.

It is illegal to own an Asian Arowana unless it has been legally imported.

At the time of his arrest, officials said the fish had to be euthanised as illegal imports of exotic animals can introduce serious pests and diseases that pose a significant biosecurity risk to Australia.

A fully red Asian Arowana fish.

The species, which could grow up to 90cm long, has been rumoured to sell for as much as $430,000 in China.

The Asian community believe the fish brings good luck and wealth due to its red colour and coin-like scales.

The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences under Australian law is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $210,000 for individuals or up to $1,050,000 for corporations.

In 2016, two men who conspired to bring 176 Arowana fish, worth an estimated $235,000, into Australia in plastic bags packed into suitcases, received suspended sentences for their crimes.

Le will return to court in August.