New York man charged with smuggling $200,000 worth of dead bugs, butterflies

2024-12-25 00:28:48 source:lotradecoin low trading fees advantage category:Scams

A New York man has been indicted in federal court for smuggling more than $200,000 of wildlife specimens including those of protected butterflies.

Charles Limmer, 75, of Long Island, New York, was charged in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, N.Y., with six counts including conspiracy to smuggle wildlife into and out of the United States, and for violating the Lacey Act by falsely labeling and trafficking wildlife, the United States Attorney's Office said in a news release.

Prosecutors said that Limmer allegedly conspired with others to illegally sell smuggled moths, butterflies, cicadas and other insects online valued at more than $200,000 between October 2022 and September 2023. He also allegedly trafficked numerous deceased specimens of protected butterflies commonly referred to as “birdwings” for their exceptional size, angular wings and bird-like flight.

'Incredible journey':Smuggled parrots thrive at South Florida preserve

Mosquitoes on a plane:Video shows insects swarm airplane, delay takeoff in Mexico

Man charged with shipping bug specimens, labeled as 'wall decorations'

Officials said that Limmer allegedly concealed the bugs and insects by labeling the shipments as “decorative wall coverings,” “origami paper craft” and “wall decorations," a violation under the Lacey Act, which requires wildlife shipments to be accurately labeled.

U.S. law also requires that anyone who exports or imports live and dead wildlife have a license and declare wildlife to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Though Limmer operated a commercial business for wildlife trade and obtained a license to import and export wildlife in 2016, the FWS suspended his license in October 2022, for unknown reasons.

Limmer also allegedly wrote “Screw USFWS…They are a gang of Orangutans,” to one of his companions, according to the indictment.

The indictment also seeks forfeiture of more than 1,000 butterflies, moths and other insects alleged to have been illegally trafficked.

If convicted, Limmer faces up to 20 years in prison.

'Anomalies':Smugglers tried to get 18 pounds of cocaine into the US by hiding it in cheese wheels

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

More:Scams

Recommend

North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota panel will consider Thursday whether to approve permits for und

Old Navy’s Activewear Sale Is Going Strong & I’m Stocking Up on These Finds For a Fit New Year

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like

Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator and ex-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, dies at 88

Herb Kohl, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks b