A South Korean man, Gunak Lee, found himself in legal trouble after attempting to smuggle rare geckos out of New Zealand. Instead of receiving payment for his illegal activities, he was sentenced to 14 months in jail.
The 23-year-old was caught in a sting operation conducted by the Department of Conservation (Doc) at an Auckland hotel. Lee thought he was purchasing 10 geckos for a significant sum of money, but only received two in the undercover operation, with the other containers being empty and concealed.
Upon returning to his hotel room, a search warrant was executed to determine the number of geckos in his possession. Lee, who was unemployed, had planned to fly back to South Korea that day, under the mistaken belief that he would only face a fine if caught at the border.
At the Manukau District Court, Lee was sentenced for buying protected jewelled geckos and possessing a threatened species. The prosecutor emphasized the premeditated nature of the smuggling operation and the importance of protecting wildlife.
Jewelled geckos, unique to New Zealand, are classified as “at risk – declining.” Due to their rarity and attractiveness, they are highly sought after in illegal trading markets, especially in Europe where they can fetch high prices.
The Summary of Facts outlined Lee’s actions and the sting operation that led to his arrest. Despite claiming naivety and being exploited by others, Lee was held accountable for his role in the illegal wildlife trade.
Judge David McNaughton acknowledged Lee’s cooperation and lack of prior convictions but ultimately sentenced him to 14 months in prison. After his release, Lee will likely face deportation.
The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of participating in illegal wildlife trafficking and the importance of preserving endangered species.
