?????A Queensland mining equipment manufacturer has been fined more than $126,000 after an Australian Border Force (ABF) investigation found it had illegally exported sanctioned goods to Russia through intermediary countries.
The ABF also seized almost $50,000 worth of goods that were destined for Russia.
Codenamed Operation GOBLETDUST, the ABF-led investigation began in December 2024 following a referral from the Australian Sanctions Office (ASO).
ABF officers executed search warrants on the company's premises in regional Queensland in April 2025.
The warrants uncovered evidence that the company knowingly exported sanctioned goods to Russia on nine occasions between December 2023 and October 2024 by routing shipments through intermediary countries without the required permissions.
On 18 June 2026, ABF issued the company multiple infringement notices under subsection 233(1)(c) of the Customs Act 1901 for exporting prohibited goods without permission.
ABF also seized additional goods, with a combined value of $48,210, that were destined for Russia.
The company has since paid all fines in full.
ABF Superintendent Roderick Thiele said businesses exporting goods from Australia have a responsibility to understand where their products are ultimately going and who will receive them.
"This investigation demonstrates that attempts to circumvent Australia's sanctions measures through complex supply chains or intermediary countries will be detected and penalised," SUPT Thiele said.
"The ABF will continue to work with domestic and international partners to protect the integrity of Australia's sanctions framework and prevent export-sanctioned goods from reaching prohibited countries such as Russia."
ASO administers Australian sanctions laws and promotes compliance with them.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said sanctions contraventions are serious criminal offences.
"Australian businesses are responsible for ensuring that they take reasonable precautions and exercise due diligence to avoid contravening Australian sanctions laws," the spokesperson said.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity that may impact the security of Australia's borders is encouraged to report it through Border Watch.
By reporting suspicious activities, members of the public help protect Australia's borders and the community.