Wai Ho Gin, also known as Bobby Gin, and Umesh Kishore Tekani, nicknamed Mexx, a suspected accomplice in Singapore, earned more than $70,000 smuggling to the United States more than 120 protected and endangered tortoises, Geochelone radiata and Geochelone elgans. These tortoises are prized by collectors for their brilliant shells and can sell for several thousands of dollars on the U.S. black market.
Gin, 31, turned himself in to federal agents Thursday. He was released on $50,000 bail, and his arraignment was scheduled for May 21. Tekani remains at large. If convicted, each my receive more than 20 years in prison. (Source: Andrew Glazer, AP, May 18, 2007).