Caged Closed
Illegal Wildlife Trafficking
The ‘Cage Closed’ campaign raises awareness of the illegal trade in exotic pest animals and the serious legal and financial penalties faced by those involved. Keeping, breeding or trading exotic animals fuels a criminal supply chain and can result in investigation, seizure of animals, prosecution, and significant penalties under the law.
Animals detected through illegal networks have included African pygmy hedgehogs, tortoises, snakes and iguanas. Authorities warn that these animals are often sourced, transported and kept in unsafe conditions, placing significant stress on the animals and increasing the risk of harm if they escape or are released into the environment.
Illegal exotic pest animals pose a serious threat to animal welfare, biosecurity and the environment. The ‘Cage Closed’ campaign encourages Victorians to report suspected illegal activity and play an active role in preventing further offending.
Let’s Get Educated with Case Studies...
Broker Convicted
A Mickleham offender has been convicted and fined $54,000 in the Melbourne County Court for illegal exotic animal trafficking offences.
The case
The offender operated as an illegal broker, travelling across Australia’s east coast sourcing exotic animals and transporting them into Victoria for distribution through an organised trading network.
What officers found
The offender offered:
- 60 prohibited pest animals for sale, including hedgehogs, tortoises and caimans.
- 138 controlled pest animals, including ball pythons and chameleons.
- Illegally imported animals across state borders.
- Protected wildlife and 61 noxious aquatic species.
Why it matters
Illegal wildlife trafficking harms animal welfare and poses serious risks to Australia’s environment, agriculture and biodiversity.
The outcome
After an appeal, the offender received a $54,000 fine, the largest financial penalty issued under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Report information
Know someone keeping or trading illegal exotic animals? You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Your information helps protect wildlife and stop illegal networks.
Breeder Convicted
An Enfield offender has been fined $10,000 following a Ballarat Magistrates’ Court outcome for illegal exotic animal offences.
The case
The offender was convicted for keeping exotic pest animals, selling illegal species and acquiring protected wildlife. Investigators identified the offender as part of a large illegal exotic animal trading network operating across Victoria.
How the network worked
Trading occurred through a private WhatsApp group called “Rep Kings,” involving more than 30 members across Australia buying, selling and swapping exotic animals. The offender was identified as a key organiser within the group.
What officers found
The offender offered:
- Two illegally obtained saltwater crocodiles.
- Albino boa constrictors hidden inside the home.
- Multiple protected animals stored in a freezer described as a “frozen zoo”.
- Phone messages advertising exotic snakes for sale.
The outcome
Charges included selling prohibited and controlled pest animals, possessing protected wildlife and keeping noxious aquatic species. Illegal exotic animal trading carries serious penalties.
Report information
Know someone keeping or trading illegal exotic animals? You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Your information helps protect wildlife and stop illegal networks.
Keeper Convicted
A Tyabb offender on the Mornington Peninsula has been convicted and fined $25,000 in the Frankston Magistrates’ Court for illegal exotic animal offences.
The case
The offender acted as an illegal importer and keeper, supplying exotic animals within a large Victorian trading network operating through closed Facebook pages and private WhatsApp groups known as “Rep Kings.”
What officers found
The offender offered:
- Acquired a saltwater crocodile transported from northern Australia, now missing.
- Allegedly smuggled exotic animals into Australia from overseas.
- Used postal services to move animals between states.
- Had evidence of dangerous and venomous species delivered in cardboard boxes to residential addresses.
Wy it matters
Illegal keeping and trading of exotic animals places animal welfare, public safety and Australia’s environment at risk. These animals require specialist care and are unsuitable as domestic pets.
The outcome
Charges included acquiring protected wildlife and keeping and selling prohibited and controlled pest animals, including hedgehogs, tortoises, ball pythons and corn snakes.
Report information
Know someone keeping or trading illegal exotic animals? You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Your information helps protect wildlife and stop illegal networks.
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Surrender Locations...
We need your help to stop the trafficking and ownership of illegal exotic pets. The illegal trade and keeping of exotic animals pose a serious threat to our native wildlife. If you have an illegal exotic pet, now is the time to surrender it — before someone reports you.
Exotic pets surrendered to businesses can contact Agriculture Victoria‘s Customer Service Centre at 136 186.
If you have any information about the illegal exotic animal trade, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria by calling 1800 333 000 or by submitting a report online.
The following organisations are offering a no-questions-asked policy for surrendering exotic animals.
Campaign statistics and information correct as of February 2026.