On April 5, 2009, 47-year-old Chee Thye Chaw flew home to the United States after visiting family members in Malaysia. While Chaw arrived at JFK Airport, his luggage apparently did not.
When the blue suitcase finally arrived at the airport the next day, a JFK customs official randomly opened the bag. According to reports, 16 live freshwater Bonytongues packed in water insulated in Styrofoam were found inside the suitcase.
Eight months later, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent dressed as a deliveryman and with suitcase in hand, knocked on Chaw’s Elmhurst apartment on December 22, 2009. After positively identifying the blue suitcase as his, the agent informed Chaw that he would be facing charges under the Endangered Species Act. Some of the 16 fish have since died. Four other live fish were also found in his apartment.
In 2004, Chaw was fined $850 for smuggling eight of the fish into the US. The endangered fish can sell for thousands of dollars a piece.
Bonytongue Fish
Asian bonytongues, Scleropages formosus, are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Resembling a Chinese mythical dragon, the freshwater fish is often considered good luck in Asian cultures. The fish comes in a variety of colors and can grow up to 35 inches in length. Threats include habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Scleropages formosus photo Marcel Burkhard
‘In 2004, Chaw was fined $850 for smuggling eight of the fish into the US.’
I wonder how many times he’s smuggled in the years between?
When courts fine criminals such a small amounts, in comparison to the profit they can make, it sends a very clear message – keep smuggling endangered creatures.
When will the courts take these crimes seriously?