Irvine Native To Face Federal Charges Of Trying To Smuggle Endangered Butterflies Into U.S.
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A man who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport with more than 1,000 dried insects in his luggage – including 150 endangered butterflies – is expected to plead not guilty Friday to federal charges.
Alexander Bic, 25, is charged with violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act after allegedly trying to import Ornithoptera – or birdwing – butterflies into the United States. The charge carries a possible federal prison sentence of up to 20 years, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana M. Kwok.
The vividly colored specimens were found by customs officers on April 7 at LAX, as Bic – an Irvine native – and his wife were returning from a trip to Japan, according to documents filed in Los Angeles federal court.
Bic's wife was not charged.
The dried and folded 5-inch butterflies from New Guinea were found among eight boxes of dead bugs discovered in Bic's carry-on and checked baggage, according to court documents.
Kwok said Bic operates an Internet mail-order business in which he sells pinned and framed insect specimens to customers throughout the world. The endangered birdwing species sells for upward of $100, the prosecutor said.
"There are certainly enough collectors (of dried insects) to support an eBay business," Kwok said.
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