A New York resident has admitted he tried to smuggle protected turtles value greater than $1 million from america to Hong Kong by delivery them in packing containers labeled “plastic animal toys.”
Wei Qiang Lin, a Chinese language nationwide who lives in Brooklyn, pleaded responsible Monday in federal courtroom in New York to trying to export greater than 220 parcels containing round 850 japanese field turtles and three-toed field turtles, in response to the U.S. Justice Division.
The turtles, with an estimated market worth of $1.4 million, have been intercepted by legislation enforcement at a border inspection, prosecutors mentioned. Officers noticed them sure and taped inside knotted socks inside the delivery packing containers.
AP
AP
This picture offered by U.S. Dept. of Justice, reveals intercepted japanese field turtles {that a} New York man pleaded responsible Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in federal courtroom in New York to exporting greater than 220 parcels containing round 850 japanese field turtles and three-toed field turtles, in response to the U.S. Justice Division. (U.S. Dept. of Justice through AP)
Japanese field turtles and three-toed field turtles characteristic colourful markings and are a “prized feature” within the home and overseas pet market, notably in China and Hong Kong, prosecutors mentioned. The reptiles are protected by the Conference on Worldwide Commerce in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Lin additionally shipped 11 different parcels crammed with reptiles, together with venomous snakes, prosecutors mentioned. He faces as much as 5 years in jail when he is sentenced Dec. 23.
