Japanese police arrest two Chinese nationals for illegally harvesting protected hermit crabs
According to a report by Japanese media outlet "Kagoshima Yomiuri Television" on June 24: Two Chinese men were arrested for illegally harvesting the Okaya hermit crab, designated as a Japanese Natural Monument, along the coast of Amami Oshima Island.
The two men stated: "We didn't know that this type of hermit crab is prohibited from being harvested."
Police seized over 100 hermit crabs, which are classified as national natural monuments in Japan.
On the 24th, the two men, aged 28 and 33 respectively, were arrested on suspicion of violating the Cultural Properties Protection Law.
Police said the two individuals captured a hermit crab weighing approximately 12.8 kilograms around 5 p.m. on the afternoon of the 23rd at the coast of Amami Oshima. Local residents noticed suspicious activity and reported it to authorities—two foreign-looking individuals were seen illegally collecting hermit crabs on the shore. Police arrived at the scene and intercepted them for questioning. Several bags containing large numbers of hermit crabs were discovered inside their vehicle.
The suspects denied part of the charges, stating: "We did catch hermit crabs, but we were unaware they were protected species."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868878110434505/
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