Aquaculture guru’s jail term suspended for fish smuggling but he faces deportation to Singapore
A RESPECTED Singaporean aquaculture guru who smuggled exotic fish worth $235,000 into Australia has received a suspended jail term, but has been taken into immigration detention.
A RESPECTED Singaporean aquaculture guru who smuggled exotic fish worth $235,000 into Australia inside his luggage has received a suspended jail term.
The District Court on Wednesday agreed to release Kuok Weai Alex Chang on a two-year, $1000 recognisance order — similar to a good behaviour bond — for breaching import laws.
In sentencing, Judge Stephen Millsteed said fish had been Chang’s lifelong passion but, in the course of his offending, he had compromised everything he stood for.
“Your actions have shown a complete disregard for the ethical treatment of fish and the environment,” he said.
“Your conduct was commercially motivated and undermined the intent of Australian legislation ... you jeopardised Australia’s biosecurity.”
Chang, 45, of Singapore, was originally 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 was arrested at Adelaide Airport in February by Australian Customs and Border Protection Services officers.
The officers allegedly found 20 plastic bags concealed in Chang’s luggage after a flight from Singapore containing $235,000 worth of exotic fish.
Some of the 176 Asian Arowana fish were alive, some were dead, and all survivors had to be euthanased to prevent the spread of disease among native fish.
Chang subsequently pleaded guilty to importing a disease or pest to obtain a commercial advantage.
His counsel asked for mercy, saying the respected academic had “lost face” in his homeland due to his role in the scheme, for which he was to receive $50,000.
In sentencing, Judge Millsteed said it was “apparent” Chang was “an essentially decent man” who volunteered for community projects in remote parts of Asia.
“In your first interview (after arrest) you said you had been approached by your co-accused, that the fish were from Malaysia and you were handed them in Singapore,” he said.
“You said you needed funds to support a female acquaintance without raising your wife’s suspicions ... what you told police was untrue.”
Judge Millsteed said Chang was smuggling the fish to an Adelaide business owner to pay back his share of a mutual business investment.
The Adelaide man has since denied any involvement, and Chang has agreed to give evidence against him.
Judge Millsteed reduced Chang’s prison term from two years and seven months to one year, nine months and two weeks on account of his contrition, time in custody and co-operation.
He suspended that term on condition of the recognisance.
Chang left court in the custody of Department of Immigration officers, and will remain in immigration detention until he gives evidence.