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Uzi Levi, 70, charged with Wildlife Trafficking in Alaska
ANCHORAGE – A local man has been charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Uzi Levi, 70, of Anchorage is accused of purchasing and selling non-handicrafted Pacific walrus tusks and a walrus head mount, which is in direct violation of the act.
According to court documents, Levi purchased six non-handicrafted Pacific walrus tusks and one three-tusked non-handicrafted Pacific walrus head mount from an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent. This is a clear breach of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits non-Alaskan natives from transporting, purchasing, selling, exporting, or offering to purchase, sell, or export any marine mammal or marine mammal product for any purpose other than public display, scientific research, or enhancing the survival of a species or stock.
The investigation began in June 2020, when a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service observed what appeared to be an Alaskan Native male carrying a two-tusked, non-handicrafted walrus head mount into Levi’s car rental business. A few weeks later, an undercover agent went to Levi’s car rental business and inquired about renting a vehicle, which led to the exchange of numerous phone calls and texts about the purchase of non-handicrafted walrus ivory.
Levi’s actions resulted in the purchase of six non-handicrafted Pacific walrus tusks on July 13, 2020, and one non-handicrafted, three-tusked walrus head mount on September 29, 2020. If convicted, Levi faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
Levi is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on December 6, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Skrocki and Yunah Chung are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the case, and Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska made the announcement.
This case highlights the importance of enforcing laws that protect our wildlife and marine ecosystems. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who violate these laws.
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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