Chinese nationals charged with illegally exporting over 500 U.S. turtles, disguised as stones

A scheme to illegally export hundreds of native U.S. turtles to Hong Kong has led to federal charges against two Chinese nationals residing in New York. The U.S. Justice Department has accused Huaijin Kong and Mariyuaon Ma of smuggling more than 500 turtles, including species like the Eastern box turtle, Western box turtle, and Three-toed box turtle, without the necessary permits or declarations.

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Kong shipped approximately 99 packages containing 578 turtles.

According to court documents, Kong allegedly shipped approximately 99 packages containing 578 turtles between June 2024 and November of the previous year. To conceal the illicit cargo, the packages were falsely labeled as "modified stones" or simply "stones." Ma is accused of participating in the illegal export of turtles from May 2021 to May 2023.

While these turtles are not classified as endangered, they are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an agreement joined by 185 countries, including the U.S. and China. CITES regulates the trade of species that are endangered or could become so if their international trade continues unchecked.

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The contents of the packages were falsely declared as modified stones or stones.

The defendants face charges for violating the Lacey Act, a cornerstone U.S. law against wildlife trafficking that specifically prohibits misrepresenting contents on packages transported across state or international lines. Convictions could result in up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 per defendant, or double the amount of any economic gain derived from the crime or losses incurred.

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These turtles are highly valued in the international pet market, especially in China.