Massachusetts man charged with trafficking wildlife parts: Orangutan skulls, tiger skulls, jaguar skin

A Reading man has been charged with trafficking wildlife parts from endangered and protected species, including orangutan skulls, tiger skulls and jaguar skins.

More than 100 wildlife parts were seized from 39-year-old Adam Bied’s home, according to the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s office.

He has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the U.S., specifically illegally imported wildlife parts. Bied has also been charged with three counts of violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits wildlife trafficking.

“The illicit trafficking of endangered wildlife for financial gain is a grave offense that poses a significant threat to global conservation efforts and preservation of these species,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“Mr. Bied’s alleged conduct reflects a blatant disregard for the laws in place to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity,” Levy added. “These laws and international treaties exist to protect endangered species from exploitation and to maintain ecological balance.”

The feds are also seeking to forfeit the hundreds of animal parts seized from Bied’s home and a storage unit.

“This forfeiture action sends a clear message that we will not only prosecute those who engage in illegal wildlife trafficking, but also take legal actions to strip them of their ill-gotten gains,” Levy said.

Bied allegedly bought, sold and traded in wildlife parts and products — with the knowledge that many of the transactions were in violation of U.S. laws and regulations. He allegedly knowingly failed to declare the wildlife when they were imported into the U.S.

He allegedly placed orders with people in Cameroon and Indonesia who were in the businesses of killing and acquiring wildlife — which he then resold or traded to customers in the U.S.

Bied did not possess a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service import/export license or necessary permits, the feds said.

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The wildlife parts identified in the civil forfeiture complaint include:

Orangutan skulls
Tiger skulls
Leopard skin, skulls and claw
Jaguar skin and skull
African lion skulls
Polar bear skull
Narwhal tusk
Otter skeleton
Harp seal skull
South American fur seal skull
Elephant seal skull
Babirusa skulls
Mandrillus skulls
Wallaby skull
Jackal skull

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