Chinese National Sentenced to Prison in Kenya for Attempted Ant Smuggling

A Chinese national, Zhang Kequn, has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined 1 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $7,700) by a Nairobi court for attempting to smuggle over 2,200 ants, including 1,948 prized Messor cephalotes species, out of Kenya. Judge Irene Gichobi described Zhang as lacking remorse and "not an entirely honest person," emphasizing the need for a deterrent sentence amid rising cases of ant trafficking.

Ant smuggling is a lucrative trade in East Africa, with insects primarily destined for China, the United States, and Europe, where they are kept as pets and can be valued at around $100 each. The trade gained attention last year when two Belgian teenagers were arrested with nearly 5,000 ants and fined a similar amount, highlighting the scale of this illicit activity.

Zhang was initially charged with wildlife trafficking without a permit and conspiracy, which carries a seven-year sentence, but the conspiracy charge was dismissed, leading to his guilty plea. The judge noted the "negative ecological side-effects" of dealing in large quantities of garden ants, underscoring environmental concerns associated with the trade.

In a related case, Kenyan Charles Mwangi is accused of selling ants to three individuals convicted last year; he has pleaded not guilty, and proceedings are ongoing. Zhang will serve his sentence after a 14-day appeal period and then be referred to his home country, according to the court's ruling.

Source: www.theguardian.com