A 20-year-old man has been fined close to $50,000 and ordered to pay costs after pleading guilty to multiple wildlife trafficking offences for importing dozens of reptiles to NSW.

Zaixi Zheng was prosecuted following an investigation by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) into the unlawful import of threatened and protected native animals into NSW. He was sentenced yesterday at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney.

Zheng imported a total of 25 lizards including 23 common blue tongue lizards and two western blue tongue lizards. Western blue tongue lizards are a threatened species in NSW.

The court-imposed fines totalling $38,000 for two offences contrary to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) and ordered that Mr Zheng pay $15,000 to the Prosecutor for their costs.

Zheng was also convicted of two further offences brought by NSW Police of unlawfully dealing in protected animals contrary to the BC Act. He was fined a total of $10,000 for these two offences.

In NSW, it is illegal to trade, buy, sell, import, export or possess threatened or protected native animals without the appropriate licences and permits.

Illegal wildlife trafficking threatens our unique biodiversity and undermines conservation efforts. It can also expose animals to harm, stress and poor welfare outcomes.

NSW authorities take wildlife crime seriously, and individuals – including temporary visa holders – should be aware that engaging in wildlife trafficking can result in criminal charges, fines, a criminal record and potential visa consequences.

This matter forms part of broader enforcement efforts to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade. DCCEEW works closely with NSW Police and Commonwealth authorities to investigate and prosecute wildlife crime.

Anyone with information about suspected wildlife trafficking or illegal possession of native animals is encouraged to report it to the Environment Line on 131 555 or via the NSW Environment website.

Quote attributed to Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator Chief Regulatory Officer, Adam Gilligan:

“This outcome reinforces that wildlife trafficking is a serious criminal offence in NSW. Our native animals are not commodities to be traded, and we will act against those who seek to profit from them unlawfully.

“Illegal dealing and possession of protected wildlife undermines years of conservation work and places unnecessary stress and harm on vulnerable species. Protecting biodiversity remains a core priority for the Department.

“Engaging in wildlife trafficking can lead to criminal charges, significant penalties and lasting consequences. NSW authorities will continue working closely with law enforcement partners to disrupt this illegal trade.”