August 11, 2025 — The Department of Justice announced that Wei Qiang Lin has pleaded guilty in federal court. He is a Chinese national residing in Brooklyn, New York who was charged with illegally exporting hundreds of protected U.S. turtles to Hong Kong.
The case reveals an egregious wildlife trafficking scheme. It also highlights the broader challenge of customs evasion. This is a red flag category that Find Corporate Waste actively tracks for potential False Claims Act and related enforcement.
According to court filings, between August 2023 and November 2024, Lin shipped approximately 222 parcels. These parcels contained around 850 turtles to Hong Kong. To avoid detection, he falsely labeled the contents as “plastic animal toys” and other harmless items.
The reptiles were eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles. Both species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The market value of the turtles was estimated at $1.4 million. Lin also shipped 11 other parcels containing live reptiles, including venomous snakes.
Wildlife smuggling is not just an environmental crime — it is an import/export fraud. Customs declarations are deliberately falsified for various items. This includes turtles, industrial equipment, and medical devices. Such actions undermine regulatory systems and deprive the U.S. of lawful duties and oversight.
The Enforcement Outcome
Lin is scheduled for sentencing on December 23, 2025, and faces:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- 3 years of supervised release
- A fine up to $250,000 or twice the gain/loss from the illegal activity
As part of his plea, Lin agreed to give up all property interests in the seized reptiles.
Why Whistleblowers Are Essential
Federal wildlife and customs laws depend on honest declarations and compliance. Individuals or companies can use false labels, falsified invoices, or shell intermediaries to evade detection. Often, insiders can offer the proof needed to hold them accountable.
Find Corporate Waste works with relators who have firsthand knowledge of customs evasion schemes.
These are particularly linked to federal contracting and trade subsidies.
They also relate to other areas where the False Claims Act applies.
Find Corporate Waste has identified customs evasion as a target practice area for two reasons:
- It often overlaps with federal funding and program fraud.
- Many entities caught evading customs are also engaged in fraudulent procurement.
- They can also be involved in subsidies abuse.
- Some falsify import/export certifications that tie directly to U.S. government contracts.
- It creates pathways for qui tam enforcement.
- When false customs declarations lead to improper avoidance of duties or restrictions, whistleblowers can take action.
- These actions can be pursued under the False Claims Act.
If you know of goods being mislabeled to bypass customs inspection, please contact us. Goods that evade tariffs or avoid licensing requirements should be reported. Your information will stop the flow of illicit goods, protect U.S. markets, and result in significant whistleblower rewards.
Reach out to us today at info@findcorporatewaste.com.
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