A man from Daly City, California, has been charged with attempting to illegally export nearly 300 loggerhead musk turtles to Taiwan. Donald Do, who faces serious federal charges, was arrested following an investigation that revealed his alleged involvement in the trafficking of these protected species. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the charges on 15 May, highlighting the significant nature of the indictment.
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Do is accused of trying to export 292 loggerhead musk turtles from the United States between December 2022 and May 2024. He purportedly submitted false documentation to the U.S. authorities to secure an export permit, a requirement that is strictly enforced to protect endangered wildlife. According to the allegations, following the acquisition of the permit, Do purchased turtles that had been poached from their natural habitats in Florida and other locations.
In his communications with sellers, Do reportedly expressed willingness to accept “wild caught” turtles, instructing them to ship the animals to San Francisco. This attempt to circumvent legal regulations raises considerable concern over wildlife trafficking and conservation efforts. The investigation into Do is part of a wider operation known as Operation Southern Hot Herps, which aims to curb turtle poaching in the southeastern United States.
Key to the case is Do’s reported dealings with Albert Bazaar, a Louisiana man who was also arrested last week in connection with turtle trafficking offences. Bazaar allegedly misled the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by claiming that Do had personally bred and raised the turtles, thus securing a permit under false pretences. This intricate web of deceit illustrates the lengths to which individuals may go to exploit wildlife.
Following Do’s failed attempts to export the turtles, he reportedly tried to conceal his involvement by misleading his co-conspirators in California, suggesting that he had sold the animals to domestic buyers instead. This alleged lying points to a conscious effort to evade legal repercussions and continue trafficking operations without drawing attention.
Do faces charges under the Lacey Act, legislation designed to combat wildlife trafficking by making it illegal to provide misleading information about wildlife involved in international or interstate commerce. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined $250,000 for each charge related to conspiracy and violations of the Lacey Act.
Loggerhead musk turtles have been listed as protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since November 2022. This classification reflects the vulnerability of the species to poaching and other threats to their populations.
These turtles, distinguished by their large heads and strong jaws, primarily feed on hard-shelled prey such as whelks and conch. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), adults can weigh between 200 and 350 pounds and can reach lengths of 2.5 to 3.5 feet. Moreover, they have a remarkable lifespan that can exceed 70 years, making their conservation essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Loggerhead musk turtles are distributed globally, yet they represent the most prevalent sea turtle species nesting in the U.S. Coastal waters serve as their primary habitat, with many individuals migrating from countries such as the Bahamas, Cuba, and Mexico. The illegal trade in these turtles not only threatens their survival but also undermines established conservation initiatives.
Donald Do has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is scheduled to appear in court on 21 May. The charges highlight ongoing concerns regarding wildlife trafficking and the need for rigorous enforcement of conservation laws to combat such illegal activities. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of protecting endangered species and the ecosystems that support them.