South Korean National Caught in Gecko Smuggling Operation

Key Takeaways:

• Gunak Lee, a 23-year-old South Korean man, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for attempting to smuggle 10 rare jewelled geckos out of New Zealand.
• The geckos, which are found only in New Zealand and are classified as "at risk – declining", could have been sold for over $140,000 on the black market.
• Lee claimed he was acting on behalf of another person and was unaware of the illegality of his actions, but the court found that he was part of a planned international smuggling operation.
• The maximum penalty for buying protected wildlife in New Zealand is two years’ jail or a $100,000 fine, or both, and the court considered Lee’s youth, lack of previous convictions, and cooperation during the investigation when determining his sentence.
• The case highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife smuggling and the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique and endangered species.

Introduction to the Case
Gunak Lee, a 23-year-old South Korean man, was sentenced to 14 months in prison at the Manukau District Court for attempting to smuggle 10 rare jewelled geckos out of New Zealand. Lee had expected to be paid a few thousand dollars for his role in the smuggling operation, but instead found himself caught in a sting with an undercover Department of Conservation (DOC) officer. The geckos, which are found only in New Zealand and are classified as "at risk – declining", could have been sold for over $140,000 on the black market.

The Sting Operation
The undercover operation was carried out by the DOC, which had been monitoring Lee’s activities after he arranged to meet with a potential buyer online. The officer handed over two geckos to Lee, while the rest of the containers were empty and hidden. Lee was arrested when he returned to his hotel room to check the contents of the containers, and a search warrant was executed. The search found another US$10,000 and containers to transport the geckos out of the country. Lee claimed that he was acting on behalf of another person and was unaware of the illegality of his actions, but the court found that he was part of a planned international smuggling operation.

The Conservation Status of Jewelled Geckos
Jewelled geckos are found only in New Zealand, specifically in pockets of Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. They are classified as "at risk – declining" due to their rarity and the high demand for them on the black market. The geckos are highly sought after in Europe, where they can sell for over €7,000 (NZ$14,000) each. The DOC has emphasized the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique and endangered species, and the need for strict laws and penalties to prevent wildlife smuggling.

The Court’s Decision
The court considered Lee’s youth, lack of previous convictions, and cooperation during the investigation when determining his sentence. However, the judge did not accept Lee’s claim that he was unaware of the illegality of his actions, and found that he was part of a planned international smuggling operation. The judge started with a sentence of two years, but reduced it to 14 months due to Lee’s guilty plea and cooperation. Lee was also given a six-month sentence to be served after his release from prison, and is likely to be deported back to South Korea.

The Importance of Protecting New Zealand’s Wildlife
The case highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife smuggling and the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique and endangered species. The DOC has emphasized the need for strict laws and penalties to prevent wildlife smuggling, and the court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which this issue is taken. The case also highlights the importance of education and awareness about the illegality of wildlife smuggling, and the need for individuals to be aware of the consequences of their actions. By protecting New Zealand’s wildlife, we can help to preserve the country’s unique biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy the country’s natural beauty.