Chinese National Jailed for Smuggling Ants from Kenya
Chinese National Jailed for Smuggling Ants
A Chinese national, Zhang Kequn, has been handed a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings (£5,713) for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen garden ants from Kenya. The verdict was delivered in a Nairobi court, where Judge Irene Gichobi criticised Zhang for his lack of remorse and dishonesty.
Zhang was apprehended at Nairobi's main airport last month while attempting to travel to China with more than 2,000 ants in his luggage. He was subsequently charged with illegally dealing in wildlife species. Authorities have expressed concern over the escalating demand for these ants in Europe and Asia, where they are highly sought after by collectors and can command prices of around $220 (£170) each.
Judge Gichobi emphasised the need for a "stiff deterrent sentence" due to "rising cases of dealing in large quantities of garden ants and the negative ecological side effects." Following his prison term, Zhang will be deported to his home country. His legal representation has indicated an intention to appeal the sentence within the stipulated 14-day period.
The court heard that Zhang had purchased the ants from Kenyan national Charles Mwangi, who is also facing charges and is currently out on bail. This case follows a similar incident last May, where a Kenyan court imprisoned four men – two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan – for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants, reportedly destined for collectors abroad.
