Zhang Kequn, a Chinese citizen arrested last month, was sentenced to a year in prison for attempting to smuggle more than 2,000 live ants from Kenya.
Arrested and convicted
The conviction came on Wednesday 15 April, with the Nairobi court also fining the man 1 million Kenyan shillings, equal to 7,737 dollars (around 6,500 euros). Zhang Kequn, who was arrested at Nairobi’s main airport last month while trying to travel to China with more than 2,000 ants in his luggage, is accused of illegal wildlife trafficking. The judge described him as a “dishonest” and “unremorseful” person.
Zhang Kequn stopped with over 2 thousand live ants in Nairobi, Kenya (Photo LaPresse)
Ant smuggling
As underlined by Judge Gichobi, the demand for these particular insects is increasing in Asia and Europe, with collectors in some cases even willing to pay over 200 dollars for a single specimen: “A severe and dissuasive punishment is necessary. The growing number of cases of trafficking in large quantities of ants also has negative effects on the environment.”
Purchased for 65 euros
After a year in prison, Zhang will be repatriated to his country, but he seems intent on appealing, as required by local law, within 14 days. The man was arrested on March 10 at Nairobi International Airport and initially denied any charges. From what emerged from the investigations, Zhang had purchased the ants from a Kenyan citizen, Charles Mwangi, also indicted and free on bail, for the sum of 10 thousand Kenyan shillings, approximately 65 euros.