A federal judge has sentenced Sai Keung Tin, a Chinese citizen, to nearly three years in prison for his role in smuggling protected eastern box turtles from the United States to Hong Kong. The sentencing took place on Friday in downtown Los Angeles, following Tin’s guilty plea last December to four counts of exporting merchandise against federal law.
The case began when U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspectors intercepted four packages at a mail facility in Torrance, California, in June 2023. The packages, falsely labeled as containing almonds and chocolate cookies, actually held dozens of turtles wrapped in socks to prevent them from moving and attracting attention. This operation was part of a larger scheme where Tin trafficked around 2,100 turtles over five years, valued at approximately $4.2 million.
Eastern box turtles are known for their striking yellow-orange shell markings and are native to the eastern United States. They are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade, especially among the growing middle class in China, where they can fetch prices of at least $2,000 each on the black market. The turtles are protected under international wildlife treaties, which both China and the U.S. are part of.
During the sentencing, Ryan Connors, a senior trial attorney with the Department of Justice, highlighted the turtles’ status as a luxury item in China, saying, “With the rise of the middle class in China, it is turtles that have become a status symbol.”
Tin had already served more than a year in prison before his sentencing. His attorney, William Harris, argued for a lighter sentence, suggesting that Tin believed he was simply helping to send family pets to his native country. However, Tin has indicated his disagreement with the sentence and plans to appeal.
Authorities revealed that Tin was connected to Kang Juntao, another turtle smuggler who had been previously sentenced for similar crimes. The illegal trade poses a significant threat to native turtle populations, with many being taken from the wild for profit.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating wildlife trafficking and the importance of protecting endangered species.