New Yorker Gets Prison For Trafficking Parts Of Endangered Cats
SHERMAN (AP) — Prosecutors in Texas say a New York City man must serve nine months in federal prison for trafficking more than $150,000 worth of body parts from endangered African lions and tigers.
Arongkron "Paul" Malasukum was sentenced Wednesday in Sherman. Malasukum in November pleaded guilty to wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act, a conservation law.
Malasukum acknowledged buying a tiger skull from undercover agents working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He also acknowledged purchasing lion skulls from an auction house in Texas.
Authorities say Malasukum shipped the skulls to his New York home, then sent the items to Thailand for sale to a wholesale buyer.
Malasukum during 2015 and 2016 exported to Thailand nearly 70 packages with skulls, claws and parts from endangered and protected species.