Indian Man Jailed for Smuggling Endangered Indian Star Tortoises in Singapore

Singapore, December 11 – A 40-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for smuggling 58 endangered Indian Star Tortoises into Singapore, local media reported.

According to The Straits Times, Abdul Jaffer Haji Ali was caught on August 29 at Changi Airport while in transit from India to Jakarta. The tortoises were found concealed in his personal luggage during a routine security check.

Protected Species

Indian Star Tortoises are listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their trade is heavily regulated under international conservation laws to protect them from extinction.

Ali pleaded guilty to the offense in court on Monday, admitting to smuggling the animals without proper permits. He confessed that the tortoises were handed over to him by a friend, referred to in court documents only as "Bhai." The friend had allegedly paid for Ali’s flight and accommodation and requested him to transport the luggage to Jakarta in return.

Lack of Due Diligence

According to prosecutor Lim Chong Hui from Singapore's National Parks Board, Ali neither questioned nor inspected the packages given to him by "Bhai" in Chennai on August 28. The tortoises were discovered when authorities at Changi Airport conducted a thorough check of his luggage during transit.

Consequences of Wildlife Smuggling

The sentencing highlights Singapore's strict stance on wildlife smuggling and its commitment to protecting endangered species. This case serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical obligations to safeguard biodiversity globally.