The turtles were tied in knotted socks when US officials found them (Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
A Chinese man has pleaded guilty in the United States for smuggling approximately 850 protected turtles worth an estimated $1.4 million, concealing the turtles inside socks and shipping them to Hong Kong, where he was caught when the animals were intercepted by law enforcement during one border inspection, the BBC reported.
According to the BBC, the US justice department stated that the scheme operated for more than a year, during which the turtles were packed into over 200 parcels and were falsely labelled as containing “plastic animal toys” amongst other things.
Reporters said the shipments included eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, both species are native to the US and highly prized by some pet owners.
These species are protected under international wildlife trade laws because of declining wild populations and growing demand in the exotic pet market.
The report added that the turtles have unique markings on their shells, and are seen as a status symbol in China where they are often kept as pets.
The case was uncovered following an investigation by US wildlife authorities, where it was uncovered that in addition to the turtles, prosecutors said Lin also exported 11 other parcels containing reptiles, including venomous snakes.
A federal judge, according to a US Department of the Interior announcement, sentenced Wei Qiang Lin to 2 years in prison.
