The United Kingdom nationals were both subject to baggage and digital device examination – conducted separately – by ABF officers after arriving on a flight from Thailand on Tuesday (21 May 2024).
A video, present on the mobile phone of one of the travellers, was deemed to be prohibited under Regulation 4A of the Customs (prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.
Messages on the mobile phone of the other traveller contained a detailed checklist on how to scam members of the community, for the purpose of obtaining credit card details including, a detailed ‘script,’ which falsely suggested the traveller was a member of a fraud protection team within a large multi-national bank.
In addition, the mobile phone contained a series of images featuring large amounts of currency.
Both travellers were subject to interviews and further assessment, where suspicions of genuine travel to Australia could not be allayed.
After careful consideration, ABF officers concluded the travellers were not genuine tourists to Australia, and presented an unacceptable risk to the Australian community.
Subsequently, the men were refused immigration clearance, and their tourist visas cancelled under section 116 of the Migration Act 1958.
ABF Acting Superintendent Anthony Haseloff said both travellers were removed from Australia the following day (Wednesday 22 May 2024).
“ABF officers are highly motivated to identify and detect travellers and groups who attempt to enter Australia for illegitimate reasons,” Acting Superintendent Anthony Haseloff said.
“Our dedicated ABF officers are relentless in their commitment to protect the Australian border and stop those travelling to Australia to engage in criminal behaviour and harm the Australian community.”
Travellers who have their visa cancelled may be the subject of a re-entry ban, meaning they are unable to apply for a new visa to enter Australia for three years.
Each week ABF officers process around 750,000 international passengers in every major and regional international airport in Australia.
Anyone with information about suspicious border activities, including illegitimate travel, can contact .
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia’s border and the community. Information can be provided anonymously.
