A University of Queensland student has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a cruel international wildlife smuggling operation, after being recruited through a social media job ad.
Student Lured Into Smuggling Ring
Yatian Luo, a student at the University of Queensland, was handed an 18-month jail sentence last month. He was convicted for exporting and attempting to export seven native blue-tongued lizards to Hong Kong. The investigation was led by the Environmental Crime section of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Authorities alleged Luo was recruited by organised smugglers seeking couriers through a job advertisement posted on the Chinese social media platform RedNote.
Cruel Methods and Evasion Tactics
The illicit operation took place between October 15 and October 25, 2024. During this period, three packages containing four reptiles were intercepted after being sent from courier depots and post offices across the Brisbane region.
Investigators described a disturbing method of concealment. The lizards were found hidden inside socks, wrapped in foil, and placed inside vacuum-sealed cups. These packages were then concealed within toys or common household items.
In an attempt to avoid detection, Luo employed several deceptive tactics, including:
- Using fake names and licences
- Paying with cash
- Utilising public transport to send the packages
A Growing and Concerning Trend
A DCCEEW spokesperson said this case highlights a worrying development in wildlife crime. "We are seeing a growing trend of university students being lured into sending packages of native wildlife overseas, with the promise of an easy buck," they stated.
The spokesperson revealed that since 2023, four international students based in Queensland have been convicted of similar wildlife crimes. They issued a stern warning, urging students to be vigilant when seeking work online and to understand the severe risks of engaging with the crime syndicates behind this cruel trade.
Under Australia's national environment laws, exporting a regulated native species without a permit is a serious criminal offence. Each offence under the EPBC Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment or a $330,000 fine for individuals. Corporations can face fines in excess of $1.55 million.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation emphasised the brutality of the illegal wildlife trade, encouraging anyone with information to contact police or call DETSI on 1300 130 372.
Following his prison sentence, Yatian Luo has been released on a three-year good behaviour bond.
