A man in the United States is facing serious prison time after federal authorities say he smuggled 850 turtles stuffed into socks and shipped them to Hong Kong, disguising the shipments as toys.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Wei Qiang Lin exported more than 200 packages containing live turtles between August 2023 and November 2024. The shipments contained eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles — species native to the United States and highly sought after in Asia for their distinctive shell patterns.
Authorities said that in parts of China, these turtles are considered a status symbol and can fetch high prices on the black market. Investigators estimate the total market value of the seized turtles at $1.4 million, the BBC reported.
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Smuggling Operation Included Venomous Snakes
Lin’s operation didn’t stop at turtles. Officials say he also attempted to smuggle 11 additional parcels containing other reptiles — including venomous snakes. He was ultimately caught when customs officers intercepted the shipments during a border inspection.
To conceal the animals, Lin reportedly packed them into socks before placing them in boxes marked as “toys” in shipping documents. Federal investigators believe the tactic was part of a larger illegal wildlife trafficking network.
Facing Federal Prison Time
Lin has been charged under U.S. wildlife protection laws and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for December 23.
The turtles are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade of at-risk wildlife. Additionally, the eastern box turtle is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to declining populations caused by habitat loss and illegal trade.