CENTURIES before hauling freight by air was even contemplated, the Silk Road was a unique trading route that doubled as a conduit for the spread of civilisation and political power. At least two carriers have - in more recent times - used the name for air cargo services. But now it has a grimmer connotation that is starting to impact on our industry.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) have issued a joint warning about Silk Road and other online marketplaces which facilitate the supply of drugs, weapons and other illegal items.
AFP and CBP intelligence have shown that these e-commerce platforms are being used by Australians to import items illegally, using postal, courier or other air-carried freight pathways.
Their joint statement tells people using, or planning to use, Silk Road and similar websites that their identity will not always remain anonymous. When caught, they warn, prosecution is inevitable.
At least one arrest has already been made, thanks to the agencies’ enhanced intelligence. A Melbourne man faces 10 charges relating to the importation, trafficking and possession of narcotics and prohibited weapons.
Commander Peter Sykora, the AFP’s manager of crime operations, said that while Silk Road was based overseas, Australian users were within reach of the AFP and its partner agencies.
And Alana Sullivan, CBP’s acting national manager cargo and maritime targeting, said that people “who buy or sell through online marketplaces on so-called anonymous networks should understand that they are not guaranteed anonymity”.
As always, those in our industry should be aware of the dangers in processing such consignments and tell AFP or CBP of any suspicions.
Authorities warn against Silk Road
Cargo Archive Stories #217
Monday, 24 September 2012
CENTURIES before hauling freight by air was even contemplated, the Silk Road was a unique trading route that doubled as a conduit for the spread of civilisation and political power. At least two carriers have - in more recent times - used the name for air cargo services. But now it has a grimmer connotation that is starting to impact on our industry.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) have issued a joint warning about Silk Road and other online marketplaces which facilitate the supply of drugs, weapons and other illegal items.
AFP and CBP intelligence have shown that these e-commerce platforms are being used by Australians to import items illegally, using postal, courier or other air-carried freight pathways.
Their joint statement tells people using, or planning to use, Silk Road and similar websites that their identity will not always remain anonymous. When caught, they warn, prosecution is inevitable.
At least one arrest has already been made, thanks to the agencies’ enhanced intelligence. A Melbourne man faces 10 charges relating to the importation, trafficking and possession of narcotics and prohibited weapons.
Commander Peter Sykora, the AFP’s manager of crime operations, said that while Silk Road was based overseas, Australian users were within reach of the AFP and its partner agencies.
And Alana Sullivan, CBP’s acting national manager cargo and maritime targeting, said that people “who buy or sell through online marketplaces on so-called anonymous networks should understand that they are not guaranteed anonymity”.
As always, those in our industry should be aware of the dangers in processing such consignments and tell AFP or CBP of any suspicions.
