Massachusetts man charged with trafficking wildlife elements: Orangutan skulls, tiger skulls, jaguar pores and skin

A Studying man has been charged with trafficking wildlife elements from endangered and guarded species, together with orangutan skulls, tiger skulls and jaguar skins.

Greater than 100 wildlife elements had been seized from 39-year-old Adam Bied’s residence, based on the Massachusetts U.S. Lawyer’s workplace.

He has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to smuggle items into the U.S., particularly illegally imported wildlife elements. Bied has additionally been charged with three counts of violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits wildlife trafficking.

“The illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife for financial gain is a grave offense that poses a significant threat to global conservation efforts and preservation of these species,” stated Appearing U.S. Lawyer Joshua S. Levy.

“Mr. Bied’s alleged conduct reflects a blatant disregard for the laws in place to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity,” Levy added. “These laws and international treaties exist to protect endangered species from exploitation and to maintain ecological balance.”

The feds are additionally looking for to forfeit the lots of of animal elements seized from Bied’s residence and a storage unit.

“This forfeiture action sends a clear message that we will not only prosecute those who engage in illegal wildlife trafficking, but also take legal actions to strip them of their ill-gotten gains,” Levy stated.

Bied allegedly purchased, offered and traded in wildlife elements and merchandise — with the data that lots of the transactions had been in violation of U.S. legal guidelines and rules. He allegedly knowingly didn’t declare the wildlife once they had been imported into the U.S.

He allegedly positioned orders with folks in Cameroon and Indonesia who had been within the companies of killing and buying wildlife — which he then resold or traded to clients within the U.S.

Bied didn’t possess a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service import/export license or mandatory permits, the feds stated.