Ever heard of turtles travelling first class… in socks? That’s exactly what US officials say happened — nearly 850 of them, in fact.
According to the Justice Department, Chinese national Wei Qiang Lin admitted in court to smuggling eastern and three-toed box turtles from the US to Hong Kong.
Wei Qiang Lin admitted in court to smuggling eastern and three-toed box turtles from the US to Hong Kong.
This took place between August 2023 and November 2024.
What Was The Trick?
Wrap them in knotted socks, stuff them in boxes, and slap on labels claiming they contained “plastic animal toys.”
“These turtles are highly sought after in China,” said a US Fish and Wildlife Service official.
“Their unique shell patterns make them a status symbol.”
Some can fetch $2,000 apiece. Authorities say Lin’s haul was worth about $1.4 million.
Both turtle species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
You need special permits to sell or export them.
The eastern box turtle is even listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Lin didn’t just deal in turtles — officials say he also shipped reptiles, including venomous snakes.
He faces up to five years in prison when sentenced on December 23.
Turtles in socks, snakes in boxes… you’d think smugglers would have learned by now: the shell game never ends well.
