Anthony Yates
A man from New York has pleaded guilty to exporting around 850 turtles to Hong Kong. He reportedly transported them in knotted socks in shipping boxes alongside other reptiles.
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A press release by the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) reveals that Wei Qiang Lin exported the animals between August 2023 and November 2024. He sent approximately 222 parcels to Hong Kong during that time. The release explains that Lin labelled some of the boxes “plastic animal toys.”
Law enforcement discovered what was in the packages during a border inspection. Officers found turtles “bound and taped” inside knotted socks. Lin also reportedly exported 11 packages containing reptiles, including venomous snakes.
OPA notes that Lin primarily sent eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles. Both species are native to the US, and their colorful markings make them valuable on the foreign pet market. The news release explains that both species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This is reportedly due to mass illegal exports of the species during the 90s.
The New York Man Is Due To Be Sentenced Later This Year
Lin’s turtle exports reportedly had a market value of $1.4 million, and he is due to be sentenced on December 23. He faces a maximum sentence of five years behind bars and three years of supervised release. Lin could also face a $250,000 fine or “twice the gain or loss from the illegal activity.” OPA explains that, as part of his plea, Lin agreed to abandon any property interest in the reptiles seized by officers.
Last month, a Florida woman was caught sneaking turtles through airport security in Miami. However, rather than hiding them in a box or suitcase, she stuffed them inside her bra instead. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) reported the incident in a post on Facebook. “OK friends, please – and we cannot emphasize this enough – stop hiding animals in weird places on your body and then trying to sneak them through airport security,” they pleaded.
The TSA sadly announced that one of the turtles did not survive. The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife took the other reptile. It remains unclear if the woman faced any criminal charges.
