During the examination, officers found two containers with a combined total of 8.5kg of gold jewellery inside. The passenger had failed to complete an import declaration for the goods, which had a value of more than $1.3 million. Imported goods that have a combined value of over AUD$1,000 and are being cleared into home consumption require an import declaration.
When questioned about the goods, the man told ABF officers he was attempting to evade paying customs duty and deferred GST, which were estimated to total almost $209,000.
The gold haul was held by ABF officers pending further assessment and referral to the Trade Intervention Unit (TIU) within the ABF. The following day, the TIU issued an infringement notice to the traveller for the undeclared goods, totalling $50,448.04.
The penalty has since been paid in full, along with the outstanding duties and deferred GST, bringing the total amount paid to $259,352.92. The goods have been released to the passenger following payment.
ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Singh said passengers attempting to bypass payable duties are playing a game of chance, with ABF officers always utilising real-time intelligence and passenger behaviour to identify those who may be breaking the law.
"Attempting to evade duty and GST obligations is a serious offence that undermines the integrity of the border system," Acting Supt Singh said.
"Australia's border relies on travellers making honest and accurate declarations of dutiable and taxable goods.
"This traveller thought they had a golden opportunity to smuggle their million-dollar goods into the country, but the plan fell in a heap, and they ended up paying a much larger bill.
"Let this be a message to anyone thinking about smuggling undeclared goods into the country – ABF officers won't tolerate those who seek to line their pockets through deception and deliberate breaches of the law."
For further information on how to import items and what import declarations are required, please visit the Australian Border Force website.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.