A California man who obtained a federal permit to export turtles under the false claim that they had been captive-bred has been arrested on wildlife-trafficking charges, authorities announced on Friday.
Details of the Case
Donald Do and an unidentified accomplice allegedly attempted to export 292 loggerhead musk turtles to Taiwan between December 2022 and May 2024. The accomplice secured an export license from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, after which Do purchased turtles that had been poached from the wild in Florida and other locations. Do also reportedly sent instructions for the animals to be shipped to San Francisco.
In a related development, a Louisiana man named Albert Bazaar, from whom Do allegedly tried to purchase 200 turtles, has also been taken into custody on turtle trafficking charges. Bazaar is accused of poaching and selling more than 1,700 loggerhead musk turtles.
Legal Framework
The Lacey Act, a federal conservation law, prohibits the sharing of false information about wildlife in connection with international or interstate commerce. Loggerhead musk turtles are classified as a protected species.
About Loggerhead Musk Turtles
Loggerhead musk turtles are named for their large heads. They possess powerful jaws that enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey and are commonly found in US coastal waters. Their small size, typically 3 to 5 inches, makes them easy to keep in an aquarium.
Law Enforcement Action
Law enforcement has intensified efforts against turtle poachers in the southeastern United States through an operation called "Southern Hot Herps," according to the Department of Justice.
If convicted, Do faces up to five years in prison. He pleaded not guilty at a recent court hearing, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. A bond hearing has been scheduled for May 21.
