Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in $1.4 Million Turtle Smuggling Scheme to Hong Kong
Wei Qiang Lin from Brooklyn pleaded guilty to smuggling over 850 protected turtles, valued at $1.4 million, from New York City to Hong Kong, falsely labeling them as toys.
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Overview
- Wei Qiang Lin, a Chinese national from Brooklyn, pleaded guilty in federal court in New York to attempting to smuggle protected turtles.
- Lin tried to export over 850 protected turtles, valued at $1.4 million, to Hong Kong by falsely labeling them as "plastic animal toys."
- He concealed the turtles, and other reptiles including venomous snakes, in delivery boxes and sometimes in socks, shipping them from New York City.
- The smuggled turtles were protected species under CITES, indicating an illegal wildlife trade operation for significant financial gain.
- Lin's guilty plea means he faces legal consequences, potentially up to five years in prison, for his involvement in the large-scale smuggling operation.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the severity and widespread nature of wildlife trafficking. They highlight the significant monetary value of the smuggled animals and the inhumane methods used, such as "bound and taped inside knotted socks." By including examples of similar incidents and classifying wildlife trafficking as a major organized crime, sources collectively underscore the urgency and scale of the problem, positioning it as a serious threat.
"Law enforcement found the turtles "bound and taped inside knotted socks" in the shipping boxes during a border inspection."
USA TODAY"The man, Wei Qiang Lin, admitted to smuggling around 850 protected turtles and other animals worth an estimated $1.4 million from the U.S. to Hong Kong."
NBC News"A New York resident has admitted he tried to smuggle protected turtles worth more than $1 million from the United States to Hong Kong by shipping them in boxes labeled “plastic animal toys.”"
ABC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
Wei Qiang Lin attempted to smuggle eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, which are protected species under CITES.
Lin concealed the turtles by binding them, taping them inside knotted socks, and placing them in shipping boxes falsely labeled as containing 'plastic animal toys.'
Lin faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
These turtles are prized for their colorful markings and are highly sought after in domestic and foreign pet markets, especially in China and Hong Kong.
Yes, Lin also shipped 11 other parcels containing reptiles, including venomous snakes, as part of the smuggling operation.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.