James Kisina: Schapelle Corby’s half-brother faces court on charge of contravening warrant

The Burleigh Heads man, who these days earns a crust as a limo driver, having previously owned a hot dog eatery, is facing a charge of contravening an order by police to provide access to a device.

Burleigh Heads man James Sioeli Kisina, 37, leaving Southport Courthouse on March 27, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

Schapelle Corby’s half-brother has faced Southport Magistrates Court after being charged with contravening an order about information necessary to access information stored electronically.

Burleigh Heads man James Sioeli Kisina, 37, had his charge briefly mentioned on Thursday before Magistrate Gary Finger, where it was adjourned to April 24.

No facts were read on to the public record at this stage of the proceedings, and Mr Kisina has not entered a plea.

According to court documents, police allege the offence occurred on February 27 last year.

Mr Kisina was charged under s154(1) of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, which holds that persons must give police information (i.e. a passcode) needed to access devices such as smartphones, provided a warrant has been issued by a magistrate or judge.

Burleigh Heads man James Sioeli Kisina, 37, leaving Southport Courthouse on March 27, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

Mr Kisina was aged just 16 when a family holiday to Bali, that most Australian of traditions, turned into an international circus when his half-sister’s boogie board was found by customs authorities stuffed full with 4.1kg of cannabis.

According to a 2021 interview Mr Kisina gave to true crime podcast The Clink, it was Mr Kisina himself who carried the suspect boogie board through customs, and he spent a night in a Balinese cell alongside Ms Corby before being released without charge.

James Kisina at the Tugun Surf Club in 2005, awaiting the verdict for his half-sister Schapelle Corby. Picture: Donna Cosford

Ms Corby is not charged with any offences, and there is no suggestion she was aware of Mr Kisina’s current matter.

In the podcast, Mr Kisina spoke of his difficulties adjusting to his family’s new-found notoriety and his brushes with the criminal justice system, before his determination to turn his life around.

James Kisina, half-brother of convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby, at his restaurant King's Footlong German Sausages, Slacks Creek. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

He found work as a labourer before opening a hot dog eatery at Logan, which closed several years ago.

His current occupation is listed as limousine driver, according to court documents.

Originally published as James Kisina: Schapelle Corby’s half-brother faces court on charge of contravening warrant