The visas of two Danish nationals were cancelled at Perth Airport this week after Australian Border Force (ABF) found evidence they intended to capture and smuggle native reptiles out of the country for profit.
The men arrived as a traveling party of three on a Doha flight on 20 September 2026 on tourist visas and were selected for a baggage examination and formal interviews with ABF officers.
A number of tools used to capture snakes were located, along with a guide about Australian snakes with tabs on various pages on specific python species. Officers also found evidence on their mobile phones discussing the capture and transport of Australian reptiles back to Denmark.
During the interviews one of the men admitted he bred reptiles for sale in Denmark but claimed he was only in Australia to take photos of native snakes.
The equipment was seized and two of the men had their visas cancelled under s116(1)(g) of the Migration Act.
ABF Acting Superintendent Dean Simpson said the ABF played an important role in stopping the illegal trade of Australian wildlife at the border, through air travel, sea cargo and the international mail system.
“Wildlife smuggling is a global problem and one of the largest transnational organised criminal activities. Smuggling animals for profit is illegal, cruel and inhumane - as sadly, many do not survive," Acting Superintendent Simpson said.
“Our officers, like most of the community, find the exploitation of Australia's unique wildlife completely abhorrent, and we remain vigilant for the telltale signs of this criminal activity."
Both men were removed from Australia and now face an exclusion period of up to three years from applying for a new visa.
Anyone with information about the import and export of wildlife should contact Border Watch at abf.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
