Brooklyn man attempted to smuggle .4 million worth of turtles to Hong Kong labeled as toys.
Wei Qiang Lin, a resident of Brooklyn, has admitted to illegally exporting 850 turtles valued at approximately .4 million to Hong Kong. The reptiles were concealed in over 220 boxes falsely labeled as “plastic animal toys,” a deceptive tactic that was uncovered during a border inspection conducted by authorities, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The turtles in question were allegedly bound and secured within knotted socks in their shipping containers, a process that would have subjected them to weeks of distressful confinement during their journey. Lin is accused of orchestrating these shipments between August 2023 and November 2024, engaging in a broader scheme that also involved attempts to export numerous reptiles, including poisonous snakes. However, the majority of Lin’s illicit exports focused on eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, species that are particularly prized in Chinese and Hong Kong markets for their vibrant markings.
Both the eastern box turtle and the three-toed box turtle are indigenous to the United States and are afforded protection under the international Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This agreement, involving 80 participating nations, has been in effect for more than 50 years with the primary aim of ensuring that the international trade in wild animal and plant specimens does not jeopardize the survival of various species.
Lin’s actions not only violated domestic laws but also international regulations meant to safeguard endangered wildlife. As a consequence of his guilty plea, he now faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison in addition to a potential fine that could reach 0,000. Sentencing is scheduled for December 23, and as part of his plea agreement, Lin has forfeited ownership of the turtles that were seized during the investigation.
This case underscores ongoing concerns regarding wildlife trafficking and the illegal exportation of protected species, issues that resonate with conservationists and authorities who strive to protect both biodiversity and the integrity of global wildlife trade regulations.
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