Hong Kong green groups call for endangered species smuggling to be dealt with using organised crime laws
Experts say wildlife offences should be included under Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance to help authorities target ‘kingpins’ rather than ‘mules’
Hong Kong conservationists are calling for wildlife offences to be included in the same laws used to combat organised crime for greater deterrence and investigative firepower.
Most smuggling offences are now prosecuted under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). Maximum penalties were recently tightened significantly to a HK$10 million (US$1.28 million) fine and 10 years’ imprisonment, up from a HK$5 million fine and two years in jail.
But actual prosecutions so far have been few and far between and the number of endangered species smuggling cases has been increasing and successful convictions decreasing.
According to customs data, 309 cases of endangered species smuggling involving 126 convictions were recorded in 2016. Last year, there were 433 cases and 189 convictions. And up to June this year, 422 cases and 83 convictions.