Exotic animal trafficking charges: Police raid homes in western Sydney, inner west and the Illawarra
Animal handlers have seized magpies, deadly snakes, lizards and turtles after police busted an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the illegal trade of native and exotic animals.
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Two men have been charged over the alleged trafficking of exotic animals and protected Australian fauna, including deadly snakes and magpies.
Detectives from Strike Force Raptor pounced on the pair following an investiagtion into alleged money laundering offences relating to the unlawful trafficking of exotic animals and protected Australian fauna.
During the course of the investigation, officers allegedly uncovered a criminal syndicate involved in the illegal trade of native and exotic fauna across Australia, Canada, Asia and the United States of America.
Detectives also uncovered criminal activity including large-scale fraud and money laundering.
Since the investigation began, Strike Force Raptor detectives have charged two men from East Hills and Greystanes with trafficking protected animals.
Following extensive inquiries, officers executed six search warrants at homes in East Hills, Petersham, Greystanes, Riverstone, Whalan and Albion Park Rail from 6am today.
During the searches, officers located several native and exotic animals including Australian magpies, a death adder, a red-bellied black snake, a python, lizards and turtles.
All of the animals will be 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 later charged 72 offences including obtain money by deception and deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal.
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.