NEWARK, N.J. – In a shocking case of wildlife trafficking, a Metuchen, New Jersey, man has been arrested for allegedly smuggling shipments of live protected scorpions, giant millipedes, and other species that were mislabeled to avoid detection. The defendant, Wlodzimie Lapkiewicz, 29, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Lapkiewicz was charged by complaint with one count of smuggling wildlife and one count of false labeling of wildlife. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
The investigation revealed that Lapkiewicz repeatedly engaged in the illegal importation and exportation of scorpions, giant millipedes, and other invertebrate species between July 2015 and July 2018. On multiple occasions, Lapkiewicz imported emperor and dictator scorpions, both of which are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species treaty as protected species.
The investigation began in July 2015, when postal inspectors found live scorpions and giant millipedes that had escaped from a parcel originating from Tanzania while in transit to Lapkiewicz. The inspectors discovered that Lapkiewicz had intentionally mislabeled parcels of live wildlife to avoid detection, including labeling a shipment of multiple live giant millipedes as "Plush Toys for my Friends Child about to be born."
Lapkiewicz used social media to arrange buyers for the scorpions, giant millipedes, and other invertebrates that he illegally imported. The investigation also revealed that Lapkiewicz participated and assisted others in intentionally mislabeling parcels of live wildlife.
The charge of wildlife smuggling carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of false labeling of wildlife carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Honora Gordon, with the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit in Newark. Defense counsel for Lapkiewicz is David Holman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking|Crimes Against the Environment
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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