A New Jersey man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the illegal importation and sale of narwhal tusks, a protected marine mammal species.
Andrew L. Zarauskas, a resident of Union, New Jersey, was arrested on November 14, 2012, at his home, according to a press release from the U.S. government.
The indictment, which was partially unsealed upon Zarauskas’ arrest, charges him and Jay G. Conrad of Lakeland, Tennessee, with conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, smuggling, and money laundering violations.
The indictment alleges that between 2007 and 2010, Zarauskas and Conrad purchased narwhal tusks that they knew had been illegally imported into the United States in violation of federal law.
Narwhal tusks are highly valued for their unique shape and size, and can fetch large sums of money, the indictment states. The sale or attempted sale of narwhal tusks without the necessary permits or certifications is a federal crime.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that Zarauskas and Conrad conspired with individuals in Canada to launder funds used to purchase the narwhal tusks.
Conrad was summoned to appear in the District of Maine on January 3, 2013, according to the indictment.
Zarauskas faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the most serious charges, as well as fines up to $250,000, if convicted.
The case was investigated by agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Office of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Todd S. Mikolop of the Environmental Crimes Section.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking|Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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