Australian Border Force

Border agencies around the world have converged at Melbourne Airport this week to counter criminal infiltration of international supply chains. The Australian Border Force (ABF) hosted officers from the Canada Border Services Agency | Agence des services frontaliers du Canada (CBSA), New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) for a week of training, tradecraft and capability-building to tackle the threats posed by insiders with in the aviation environment. The week included practical training exercises focused on aircraft search techniques, discussions on intelligence gathering, and a visit to the ABF's detector dog facility. ABF Inspector Costas Karatzas said this week has allowed experts in this field to come together and further the world’s best practice to combat criminal infiltration. “Commercial aviation isn’t in the business of drug trafficking, it is the few bad actors who are our target,” ABF Inspector Karatzas said. Representatives from partner agencies highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in addressing complex threats in the aviation sector and safeguarding borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. The ABF continues to work with all law enforcement agencies and other partner agencies, including in the aviation industry, both in Australia and offshore to stop organised crime groups who seek to import prohibited goods and illicit drugs. To learn more, visit the newsroom link here: https://lnkd.in/gSXq7tTa

A 26-year-old West Australian man has been charged with four online child abuse offences following a joint operation by the Western Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET) and Australian Border Force (ABF). The arrest on 30 August 2024 came after ABF officers at Perth Airport allegedly found child abuse material on the man's phone after he landed on a flight from Denpasar, Bali. Charges include accessing, transmitting, and possessing child abuse material using a carriage service, with a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment. ABF Superintendent Aviation Operations Vesna Gavranich said ABF officers worked tirelessly at the front line of Australia’s border at international airports to protect children, both here and overseas from child abuse and exploitation. The public is urged to report any information about child abuse to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE). For immediate risk or danger, call Triple Zero (000).

Today on R U OK? Day, we’re encouraging everyone to reach out to colleagues and loved ones to normalise having conversations about mental wellbeing. Around the country many ABF and Australian Department of Home Affairs employees are coming together to host a morning tea, share a cuppa, and check in on each other. This year’s theme is 'Ask R U OK? Any Day' which emphasises the importance of having regular, meaningful conversations year round. So while today will come and go, we encourage you any time, to start a conversation with those who may be struggling. It just might change a life. If you’re not sure how to start a conversation, visit the R U OK? website for tips and resource https://lnkd.in/guhQkQG

Twenty-six fishers have been escorted out of Australian waters without their catch and equipment after four separate vessels were intercepted by Australian Border Force off the Kimberley coast. A Maritime Border Command (MBC) vessel intercepted three foreign fishing vessels in the vicinity of Heywood Shoal on Monday (9 September 2024). A total of 20 crew were identified on board. Officers boarded and inspected the vessels, identifying 100kg of salt along with a variety of fishing equipment. In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), MBC determined a legislative forfeiture be conducted and seized both the fishing equipment and catch. One of the four vessels was seized and will be disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law. The crew were transferred onto the remaining two vessels and escorted out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). On the same day, MBC intercepted a fourth foreign fishing vessel near Augustus Island. Six crew were identified before officers boarded and conducted an inspection. In consultation with AFMA, MBC determined that a legislative forfeiture be undertaken. Officers seized 180kg of salt, 20kg of sea cucumber (trepang), 10kg of shark fin, and a variety of fishing and fishing-related equipment. The vessel and crew were escorted out of the Australian EEZ. Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online:https://lnkd.in/gjdDQfnC Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can also be reported by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected] By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. #KeepOurBorderSafe #MaritimeBorderProtection

Eyes in the sky! 🚁 Last week, Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram, visited Broome to highlight the crucial role of our new rapid response helicopter and meet with local officers. The newly leased capability is part of the ABF's increased presence in the region to protect the Australian border and the vast Kimberley Marine Park from illegal foreign fishers, through Operation LEEDSTRUM. "This helicopter allows us to reach remote communities quickly and cover vast distances in shorter periods," said Commissioner Outram. "It's crucial for surveillance during the wet season when land patrols are restricted." ABF's Maritime Border Command, in partnership with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority continues to detect, apprehend, and prosecute illegal fishers who attempt to bypass Australia's border. From July to August 2024, the ABF have interdicted 48 illegal foreign fishing vessels. This increased aerial presence demonstrates our commitment to border security and preserving our unique marine environments.

Looking for a sea change? 🚢 🔧 Applications for Deputy Engineering Officers are closing soon, so if you are ready for your next challenge, we would encourage you to apply now. We are seeking motivated, resilient and forward-thinking individuals interested in securing Australia’s maritime border. You’ll work on board a range of ABF Cutters and other vessels conducting engineering activities in the offshore maritime environment. Learn more or apply now: https://lnkd.in/gTUgqnDK Applications close on Sunday 22/09/2024 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight)

We are well underway for National Child Protection Week, and this year’s theme is ‘every conversation matters’. The ABF and other law enforcement agencies are encouraging everyone to speak up – and speak together – on child protection and support our children to stay safe in an increasingly complex world. The message is simple; every child in every community needs a fair go. So if you haven’t yet, we encourage parents and caregivers to start a conversation with their children about how they can remain safe.

🌏 Thirteen countries. 📅 Five days. 🤝 A safer and more secure Indian Ocean region together.

Australian Border Force staff around Australia are proudly supporting Wear it Purple Day today to celebrate diversity and young people from the LGBTIQ+ community. 💜 As a visible symbol of allyship and solidarity, morning and afternoon teas are being held across the country to raise money to donate to the Wear it Purple organisation to support LGBTIQ+ youth. The ABF is fully committed to fostering a workplace culture that celebrates, embraces, and advocates for the diversity and full inclusion of all our staff, and is reflective of the community we serve. #WearItPurple #WearItPurpleDay #WearItPurple2024

Australian Border Force officers seized over 12 million illicit cigarettes in a single shipment from China last week. Arriving in NSW, the consignment had been mis-declared as a vending machine and evaded duty estimated at almost $15.3 million. ABF Commander Ken McKern said the seizure had taken money out of the hands of criminals. "There is a common misconception that engaging in the illicit tobacco trade is a victimless crime, but it is far from it". "Involvement in illicit tobacco is a serious offence. There are well documented links between the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco in Australia and serious and organised crime syndicates". In the 2023/24 Financial Year (FY), the ABF made more than 51,600 detections of illicit tobacco consisting of more than 1.8 billion cigarettes and more than 436 tonnes of loose leaf tobacco. These enforcement actions have successfully deprived organised crime syndicates of an estimated $3 billion dollars (potential evaded duty). To learn more, visit the newsroom link here: https://lnkd.in/gdUpxthp