NEWARK, N.J. – Wlodzimie Lapkiewicz, a 29-year-old man from Metuchen, New Jersey, has been charged with smuggling live scorpions and other wildlife into the United States, according to a federal complaint.
Lapkiewicz was arrested on July 2015 and July 2018, and is charged with one count of smuggling wildlife and one count of false labelling of wildlife. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
According to the complaint, between July 2015 and July 2018, Lapkiewicz repeatedly engaged in the illegal importation and exportation of scorpions, giant millipedes, and other invertebrate species. 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.
Postal inspectors learned of Lapkiewicz’s illegal imports after they found live scorpions and giant millipedes that had escaped from a parcel originating from Tanzania while in transit to Lapkiewicz in July 2015.
The investigation revealed that Lapkiewicz participated and assisted others in intentionally mislabeling 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.” The investigation also revealed that Lapkiewicz used social media to arrange buyers for the scorpions, giant millipedes, and other invertebrates that he illegally imported.
The charge of wildlife smuggling carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of false labelling of wildlife carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Lapkiewicz is currently out on bond and his case is ongoing.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Wildlife Smuggling
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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