A Chinese national has pleaded guilty to exporting over 850 protected turtles to Hong Kong, falsely labeled as toys. Between August 2023 and November 2024, Wei Qiang Lin shipped more than 200 parcels containing eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, valued at $1.4 million total. The turtles were wrapped in socks and mislabeled. Both turtle species are protected under international trade agreements, requiring export permits. Lin also shipped 11 parcels of venomous snakes. He faces up to 5 years in prison for the smuggling operation, which authorities say is the latest case in a trend of traffickers exploiting the high demand for these exotic pets in China. (BBC)
