Qinyu Han fronts court over attempting to exports lizards

A Point Cook man was busted trying to export three shingleback lizards stuffed in socks and disguised as plastic figurines, Tim Tams, popcorn and potato chips that could have netted him $30k.

Qinyu Han leaving County Court after pleading guilty to attempting to export shingleback lizards without a permit.

A Melbourne man’s attempt to export endangered shingleback lizards hidden in socks with various packaging materials — including popcorn and toys — to lucrative markets overseas was thwarted by the Australian Border Force.

One of the three reptiles Point Cook man Qinyu Han attempted to export died in quarantine due while others were cared for at a wildlife park in Sydney.

Han pleaded guilty in County Court on Tuesday to a charge of attempting to export an endangered species without a permit.

The court heard that the 28-year-old lodged three parcels at the Sanctuary Lakes Post Office on October 10, 2023 addressed to a person in Hong Kong and declared they contained plastic figurines, Tim Tams and potato chips.

The packets also contained packets of popcorn and plastic animal toys.

A shingleback lizard stuffed in a sock by Qinyu Han being examined by the Australian Border Force.

Australia Post referred the parcels to the Australian Border Force and X-rays showed they contained live wildlife.

During a search warrant at his house in January 2024, Han said he had a Victorian licence to buy reptiles but denied attempting to export the lizards.

He said he bought 17 to 18 shingleback lizards and kept them at home but sold them for about $5000 each once his relationship broke down in August 2023.

A search of his mobile phone number revealed an advertisement on www.reptileclassifieds.com.au, selling “singles and blue tongues” for $520, and stated “17 singles $600 each if you can take them all by 1 time”.

The court heard that the lizards fetched more than $9000 each on the overseas market.

A shingleback lizard stuffed in a sock which Qinyu Han tried to export to Hong Kong.

Defence lawyer Diana Price said Han was ashamed of his actions and that he tried to divest the three shingleback lizards as he could no longer care for them after his relationship ended.

“He didn’t have a reasonable belief that it was illegal to send the lizards overseas,” she submitted.

She said in their references tendered to court, Han’s China-based parents expressed “shock and surprise” at his actions.

Prosecutor Michael Keks said jail was the appropriate outcome, given that Han’s actions were “cruel and inhumane” and the fact that he lied to police about his actions.

Han was remanded on bail for sentencing on April 16.