Chinese citizen recognized for smuggling turtles

• Lin aimed to repurpose turtles, masked as toys.
• The total value of the turtles amounted to 1.4 million dollars.
• Authorities discovered the turtles during a routine inspection.

In New York, Chinese citizen Wei Qian Lin was recognized for his attempt to smuggle over 850 protected turtles worth 1.4 million dollars from the USA to Hong Kong. These turtles, including box turtles and turtles with three claws, were repackaged in boxes labeled "plastic toys."

According to information from the U.S. Department of Justice, between mid-2023 and November 2024, Lin exported more than 220 pairs of turtles. The turtles were discovered during a routine inspection when authorities saw them packed in cardboard boxes.

These types of turtles have bright markings on their shells and are considered endangered species in China. They are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

In addition to turtles, Lin also repurposed 11 other pairs of endangered species, among which were rare lizards. He faces a prison term of up to five years, with sentencing scheduled for December 23.

Tags: USA/Crime