Chinese e-commerce site selling Australian police gear

Australian police uniforms, caps, and badges are appearing for sale on prominent Chinese online shopping platforms and independent websites, raising alarms among authorities about a surge in impersonation scams. Retailers are offering items from Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland police, as well as Australian Border Force uniforms.

The products displayed online appear to be identical or very similar to the official uniforms worn by police in these Australian states. Sellers on the major platform claim to be selling genuine police items, not replicas, and market them to military collectors. Prices range from $4 to $50. The ABC purchased and inspected several items, including a Victoria Police shirt and Queensland Police Service T-shirts, which seemed indistinguishable from the real uniforms, though authenticity could not be independently verified.

Concerns are amplified by the fact that these items are manufactured in China, with "Made in China" labels clearly visible. While Australian states have varying laws regarding the possession of police uniforms, impersonating a police officer is a serious offense across the country, carrying penalties of up to seven years in jail in New South Wales.

Police forces in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia have acknowledged awareness of online sellers offering police uniforms or replicas. Victoria and Queensland confirmed that some of their police items were manufactured in China. The parent companies of the e-commerce platforms contacted by the ABC did not respond to requests for comment. China does not have laws prohibiting the sale of foreign police uniforms, creating a regulatory gap that facilitates the availability of these items.