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Prison time for man who trafficked native animals
A man has been sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment for posting Australian native reptiles and amphibians from Sydney to Hong Kong.
Yang Zeng, 28, was sentenced in Penrith District Court on Wednesday after being convicted of nine charges relating to the illegal export of saw-shelled turtles, Cooper Creek turtles, blue-tongued lizards and magnificent tree frogs.
Between September 2024 and May 2025, Zeng allegedly used third-party international mail logistics businesses, parcel lockers and couriers to send animals overseas.
According to investigators, the animals were concealed in parcels by being stuffed into socks and hosiery, wrapped in foil and hidden inside food packaging alongside items including heavy bags of dog food.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said Zeng remained in Australia unlawfully throughout the offending period and used fraudulent native animal keeper licences to obtain reptiles.
A DCCEEW spokesperson said the sentence reflected the seriousness of wildlife trafficking offences.
“This sentence sends a clear message that keeping and exporting Australia’s wildlife without a permit is a serious crime.”
During a search warrant executed at a Rosebery residence in May 2025, DCCEEW investigators seized three saw-shelled turtles and two long-necked turtles, which were found alive and swimming in a bath.
“The illegal international trade in Australia’s precious wildlife is cruel and has a devastating impact on our biodiversity,” the DCCEEW spokesperson said.
The investigation involved DCCEEW’s Environmental Crime Team, working alongside the Australian Border Force, the NSW Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The department said exporting regulated native species without a permit issued by DCCEEW is an offence under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $330,000 fine, or both.
In the past year, authorities identified and seized 113 attempted wildlife exports at Australia’s border, involving a total of 1,250 native specimens destined for the illegal international wildlife trade.
“We take our job of protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity and enforcing national environment law very seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“Australia’s unique fauna is in high demand overseas, and licensed reptile breeders, pet stores and hobbyists must help prevent our native animals from falling into the hands of cruel and inhumane illegal wildlife trafficking syndicates.”
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