Jin Zhao Feng, Rhino Horn Trafficking, California 2012

Seven Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown on Black Market Rhino Trade

WASHINGTON – Seven people have been arrested on charges of trafficking in endangered black rhinoceros horn over the past week in Los Angeles, Newark, N.J., and New York, as part of a multi-agency effort to investigate and prosecute those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horn.

In Los Angeles, Jin Zhao Feng, a Chinese national who allegedly oversaw the shipment of at least dozens of rhino horns from the United States to China, was arrested last night. Last weekend, members of an alleged U.S.-based trafficking ring that supplied rhino horns to Feng were arrested after being charged with conspiracy and violations of the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act for purchasing rhino horns from various suppliers in the U.S.

Charges were filed against Jimmy Kha, the owner of Win Lee Corporation; his son Felix Kha; and Mai Nguyen, the owner of a nail salon where packages containing rhinoceros horns were being mailed. One of the alleged suppliers, Wade Steffen, was arrested in Hico, Texas, and charged in Los Angeles. According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, the Khas began receiving packages from Steffen and another supplier in 2010.

Seventeen packages were opened under federal search warrants and 37 rhinoceros horns were found. A search of Steffen’s luggage at the Long Beach Airport in California on Feb. 9, 2012, turned up $337,000 in cash. In additional searches conducted by FWS and ICE, agents found rhinoceros horns, cash, bars of gold, diamonds and Rolex watches.

Approximately $1 million in cash was seized and another $1 million seized in gold ingots.

‘The rhino is an animal of prehistoric origin that is facing possible extinction because of an illegal trade for its horns on the black market that is driven by greed,’ said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Jin Zhao Feng, Defendant, was arrested and charged with conspiracy and violations of the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Jin Zhao Feng, a Chinese national, was arrested on Feb. 19, 2012, in Los Angeles, California.

Jin Zhao Feng, Defendant, is currently in custody.

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