Chinese e-commerce sites offering Australian police uniforms spark impersonation concerns

One outlet identified three sellers on a prominent Chinese e-commerce platform and one separate Chinese website offering Australian police uniforms, caps, badges and insignia that closely match the real equipment used in Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Border Force. Prices range from a few dollars up to $50, and the listings claim the goods are authentic, targeting military collectors.

After purchasing samples, one outlet found the items indistinguishable from official gear, though police agencies could not confirm their authenticity. State police forces acknowledged the sales, noting that impersonating an officer is illegal in every Australian jurisdiction and that possession rules vary, with New South Wales imposing the toughest penalties. Western Australia Police and other agencies have asked the community to alert Crime Stoppers to any suspected manufacturing or misuse, while experts warn scammers could exploit the uniforms for fraud schemes.