Pangolins are commonly trafficked in Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of Education for Nature-Vietnam

CÀ MAU — The People’s Committee in the southernmost province of Cà Mau has sentenced a company director to 13 years in prison and a fine of VNĐ100 million (US$4,283) for organising trafficking of rare and endangered wildlife.

The offender Trần Quý is the director of Hải Đăng Ltd Company, which was licensed to carry out an investment project including tourism services and a wildlife park on the province's Hòn Khoai Island.

However, police investigations found that the company did not develop any tourism activities but raised wildlife for sale.

The investigation was conducted following the detection in January 2018 of 114 Javan pagolins and over 300kg of pangolin scales by Đất Mũi border guards. The animals were found on an unregistered boat in waters around Cà Mau.

Agencies examined and inspected the operations of Hải Đăng Company, revealing the illegal wildlife trade and trafficking operation.

Quý was a key part of a ring that trafficked wildlife from other countries to Việt Nam. Some sources revealed that wildlife traffickers usually chose Hòn Khoai Island to store the wildlife after they are transported by boats to Việt Nam.

Three other offenders involved in this case were also given sentences ranging from two years to 12 years in prison and fines of VNĐ50 million ($2,140). — VNS