A man has been charged with smuggling protected turtles after they were found stuffed inside socks in packages intercepted in Southern California. Sai Keung Tin, from China, was indicted on four counts of exporting merchandise contrary to US law. The 40 eastern box turtles, protected under CITES, were discovered in four packages at a mail facility in Torrance in June 2023.
These turtles, known for their colorful shell patterns and ability to live over 100 years, were reportedly kept in socks to prevent noise. One turtle was found dead, but the rest were alive. Tin was arrested in New York City after arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
An affidavit indicated Tin’s connection to Kang Juntao, who smuggled 1,500 turtles from the US to Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018. The turtles had a pet trade value of $2.25 million. Kang was arrested in Malaysia in 2019 and sentenced to over three years in prison for money laundering in 2021.
Despite Kang’s prosecution, packages continued to be sent to Tin’s address in Hong Kong and intercepted in Torrance. Tin’s involvement in this illegal wildlife trade highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting endangered species from exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What was the man charged with in this case?
The man, Sai Keung Tin, was charged with four counts of exporting merchandise contrary to US law for smuggling protected turtles.
How many endangered turtles were found in the packages?
There were 40 eastern box turtles found stuffed inside socks in the intercepted packages.
Were all the turtles found alive?
One turtle was found dead, but the rest were alive when discovered in the packages.
What was the purpose of keeping the turtles in socks?
The turtles were reportedly kept in socks to prevent noise during transportation.
Who was Tin allegedly connected to in the illegal wildlife trade?
Tin was allegedly connected to Kang Juntao, who previously smuggled 1,500 turtles from the US to Hong Kong.
What happened to Kang Juntao in relation to the illegal wildlife trade?
Kang Juntao was arrested in Malaysia in 2019 and sentenced to over three years in prison for money laundering in 2021.
Despite Kang's prosecution, did the illegal wildlife trade continue?
Yes, packages continued to be sent to Tin's address in Hong Kong and intercepted in Torrance, indicating ongoing challenges in protecting endangered species from exploitation.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
