Malaysian wildlife trafficker Teo Boon Ching, known as the "Godfather," has been sentenced to 18 months in a U.S. prison for his involvement in a scheme to sell at least $2.1 million worth of poached rhinoceros horns, federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday. Ching, 58, acted as a middleman in the illegal trade, sourcing the rhino horns from co-conspirators in Africa and shipping them to buyers around the world.
The case began in July 2019 when Ching met with a confidential source in Malaysia to negotiate the sale of the rhino horns. During the meeting, Ching assured the source of a speedy delivery, stating, "As long as you have cash, I can give you the goods in 1-2 days." He also sent the source several photographs of the rhino horns available for sale, including one showing a large quantity of the illegal products.
One month later, the source purchased 12 rhino horns from Ching, which were subsequently shipped to them in a suitcase from Thailand. Upon examination by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service laboratory, it was confirmed that two of the horns were from critically endangered black rhinoceroses, while the other 10 were from near-threatened white rhinoceroses.
Ching's arrest took place in Thailand in June 2022, and he was later extradited to the United States. According to prosecutors, Ching conspired to traffic approximately 219 kilograms (480 pounds) of poached rhino horns, with an estimated value of $2.1 million.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the seriousness of wildlife trafficking, highlighting the detrimental impact it has on endangered species and the ecological heritage shared by communities worldwide. Williams stated, "Wildlife trafficking is a serious threat to the natural resources and the ecological heritage shared by communities across the globe, enriching poachers responsible for the senseless illegal slaughter of numerous endangered rhinoceros and furthering the market for these illicit products."
The demand for rhino horns, particularly in parts of Asia, has fueled the illegal market. In some regions, the horns are believed to possess unproven medicinal properties and were even more expensive than cocaine in Vietnam at one point. Despite the fact that rhino horns can grow back, poachers often choose to kill the animals instead of sedating them to remove the horns.
In response to this ongoing issue, various initiatives have been launched to combat poaching. These include relocating rhinos to different parts of Africa to protect them from poachers and safely removing their horns to diminish their appeal to wildlife traffickers.
It is crucial to note that rhino horns are composed of keratin, a protein also found in human fingernails and toenails. The perception of rhino horns as having medicinal value or being a status symbol for the wealthy has led to the senseless slaughter of countless rhinoceroses worldwide.
The sentencing of Teo Boon Ching serves as a reminder of the determination of authorities to protect endangered species and combat wildlife trafficking. As efforts continue to address this global issue, it is hoped that the demand for illegal rhino horns will diminish, allowing these magnificent creatures to thrive in their natural habitats.
