Petr Babenko, Paddlefish Trafficking, New Jersey 2015

A New Jersey man has been convicted of illegally trafficking in paddlefish caviar in a case that highlights the ongoing threat to Missouri’s paddlefish conservation efforts.

Petr Babenko, 45, of Vineland, New Jersey, was found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to illegally buy and sell paddlefish and one count of illegally trafficking in paddlefish in violation of the Lacey Act. Babenko owned European International Foods, a specialty grocery business in Vineland.

Codefendant Bogdan Nahapetyan, 37, an Armenian citizen residing in Lake Ozark, Missouri, pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2013, to illegally trafficking in paddlefish.

Neither Babenko nor Nahapetyan had a valid roe fish dealer permit. Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that they possessed paddlefish and paddlefish eggs in excess of the Missouri possession limits and transported the paddlefish and paddlefish eggs across state lines.

For example, on April 24, 2012, Babenko and Nahapetyan negotiated with the undercover investigators to purchase 80 pounds of paddlefish eggs and five female paddlefish for $4,625. While loading the purchased caviar and female paddlefish into their van, they placed an additional order with the undercover investigators for more fish and caviar.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Missouri, deliberated for about 35 minutes before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Aug. 17, 2015.

Babenko is subject to a sentence of up to ten years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $500,000. Babenko must forfeit to the government a 2011 Mercedes Benz cargo van that was used to commit the offense. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

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