AFP investigating fake United Nations drug mule scam
Editor’s note: Photos and audio grabs available via Hightail
The AFP has identified an emerging scam where travellers are offered millions of dollars to transport illicit drugs by criminals purporting to be United Nations (UN) officials.
The scam alert comes after the AFP arrested two alleged drug mules in separate incidents in Melbourne this year, where each individual claimed to be the victim of the UN officer scam.
The criminals behind the scam offer the alleged drug couriers up to $35 million dollars to transport a suitcase into Australia on behalf of an individual purporting to be from the United Nations.
The new drug mule trend was first exposed after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted two separate baggage examinations at Melbourne International Airport, earlier this year.
On 25 July, ABF officers examined the luggage of a West Australian man, 39, upon his return flight into Melbourne from Singapore. Officers allegedly identified 3kg of methamphetamine concealed within the lining of the suitcase. AFP members seized the illicit substance and arrested the man at the scene.
Within 24 hours on 26 July, AFP officers arrested a second passenger upon their arrival into Melbourne Airport from Thailand, after ABF officers allegedly detected heroin inside their luggage during screening.
The New Zealand national, 77, allegedly attempted to import 2kg of heroin concealed in the lining of his suitcase.
Both travellers, who are unknown to each other, each allegedly disclosed to AFP officers that they had been asked to transport the luggage in exchange for the lucrative payment by persons claiming to work for the UN.
Both men were charged with serious drug import offences which carry the maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment.
The Hamilton Hill, WA, man was charged with:
- Importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Possessing of a controlled drug namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 308.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The West Australian man was remanded in custody and is expected to face court again on 20 December, 2023, at Melbourne Magistrates Court.
The New Zealand national was charged with:
- Importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled substance, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The New Zealand man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 1 December, 2023, and pleaded guilty to providing false documents and false or misleading information etc. relating to non-citizens, contrary to Section 234(1)(a) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
He was released on a 6 month good behaviour bond.
Anyone with information relating to drug mules or the fake UN official scam can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au.
AFP Commander Raegan Stewart said transnational serious organised crime syndicates continued to target Australia as a lucrative market for illicit drugs.
"This United Nations drug mule scam is just another attempt by criminal syndicates who are desperate to import harmful illicit drugs and substances into our country,” said Commander Stewart.
“It shows offenders will go to any lengths to bring illicit substances into our community, including scamming travellers offshore to do their dirty work.”
AFP Commander Raegan Stewart said the AFP had zero tolerance for anyone who attempted to import illicit substances into our country.
“The AFP urge anyone travelling to our country who has been approached by an individual offering them a job opportunity to transport luggage in exchange for lucrative amounts of money, we warn them think twice, if it’s too good to be true – it probably is,” Commander Stewart said.
“The AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners, remain committed to targeting and disrupting the criminal operations of the syndicates responsible for this scam, no matter where they are in the world.”
ABF Acting Commander, Aviation and Regional Operations, David Bonnici said ABF officers are vigilant to the many methods organized crime groups employ to illegally import illicit drugs into the country.
“Our technical capabilities and highly trained officers are able to detect drugs, regardless of what type of scam criminals are attempting to use,” A/g Commander Bonnici said.
“The ABF is committed to protecting the community from harmful drugs and working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the tide of methamphetamine, heroin and other dangerous substances coming into Australia.
“These detections show that strong partnerships can stop organised crime syndicates who try to import illicit substances into the country.”
