Hundreds of lizards rescued in police bust of alleged Australian criminal animal export syndicate

NSW police allege a criminal group planned to sell more than $1m worth of reptiles in Hong Kong

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A criminal syndicate allegedly planning to export more than $1m worth of Australian reptiles to Hong Kong has been busted, NSW police say.

Strike Force Whyaratta was established in September 2023 with assistance from state and federal departments to investigate illegal native animal and reptile exports.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup