Shichen Wang, Negligent Attempted Transportation of Wildlife, Texas 2013

SHERMAN, TX – Shichen Wang, a 44-year-old Chinese national residing in Plano, Texas, is facing consequences for a brazen attempt to skirt federal law. Wang was sentenced to 11 months of probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Amos L. Mazzant on September 10, 2013, after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense of negligent attempted transportation of wildlife sold in violation of law on February 14, 2013. The case exposes a continued effort to illegally profit from endangered species.

The scheme unraveled on April 19, 2011, when Wang attempted to ship two elephant ivory carvings, daffodil flowers, and a cylinder brush pot to separate addresses in the Republic of China. Crucially, the packages were deliberately mislabeled as containing only “wood carvings” – a clear attempt to deceive U.S. customs officials and bypass regulations protecting vulnerable wildlife. This isn’t a case of simple error; it’s calculated deception.

Thankfully, the ruse didn’t fly. Wildlife inspectors intercepting International Express Mail packages flagged the suspicious shipments. A closer inspection revealed the illicit ivory, triggering a full investigation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Fort Worth, and Rosemont, Illinois Office, along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rosemont, Illinois Office, quickly zeroed in on Wang as the perpetrator.

Beyond the probationary sentence, Wang has been slapped with a $3,000 fine and forced to forfeit the seized ivory carvings to the government. While a relatively light penalty, authorities hope it sends a message. “One of the primary objectives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to combat the international smuggling of wildlife from the U. S.,” stated Southwest Region’s Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Chavez. “This seizure was a great example of a multi-agency interdiction effort.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble successfully prosecuted the case, demonstrating a commitment to cracking down on wildlife trafficking. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to prioritize conservation and the protection of endangered species, working to dismantle illegal operations like Wang’s. The agency’s website, www.fws.gov, provides further information on their mission and ongoing efforts.

This case serves as a stark reminder that the illegal wildlife trade remains a persistent threat. Despite international agreements and stringent regulations, individuals like Shichen Wang continue to attempt to exploit endangered species for profit. While Wang received probation, the Grimy Times will continue to track federal prosecutions and expose those who profit from illegal wildlife trafficking, ensuring accountability and protecting our planet’s vulnerable creatures. Connect with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.

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