
HONG KONG — A Chinese man has admitted to smuggling around 850 protected turtles and other animals worth an estimated $1.4 million from the U.S. to the Chinese territory of Hong Kong, the Justice Department said. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. The man, Wei Qiang Lin, “labeled the boxes as containing ‘plastic animal toys,’ among other things,” the DOJ said Monday in a statement.
Main Idea: Wei Qiang Lin pleaded guilty to smuggling protected turtles and other animals from the U.S. to Hong Kong, where the shipment was valued at about $1.4 million.
Key Points:
Turtle smuggling can raise prices for legal pet buyers and hurt wildlife protection efforts, while US taxpayers pay for customs, court, and prison enforcement.
The guilty plea may help stop future wildlife trafficking and protect honest pet businesses and communities from illegal trade.
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Central figure who pleaded guilty to smuggling protected turtles and other animals, and faces sentencing.
Court where Lin pleaded guilty and where the sentencing will occur.
International treaty body referenced because the turtles were protected under its rules.
Alternate name for Sai Keung Tin mentioned in the article.
Named person cited in a similar prior smuggling case for comparison.
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