August 3, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez
A Woodside man has been sentenced to prison for illegal wildlife trafficking in a case involving undercover agents and dozens of shipped animal parts between the U.S. and Thailand.
Arongkron “Paul” Malasukum, 42, was sentenced by a federal judge in Texas to nine months in prison on Aug. 1 for trafficking parts from endangered African lions and tigers, according to the US DOJ.
Malasukum admitted to meeting with undercover agents and purchasing a tiger skull from them, and to purchasing lion skulls from an auction house in Texas through undercover agents acting as “straw buyers” for him.
He then shipped the tiger and lion skulls to his home in Woodside, later shipping them to Thailand to sell to a wholesale buyer.
In addition, Malasukum also purchased and shipped approximately 68 packages containing skulls, claws, and parts from endangered and protected species to Thailand between 2015 and 2016. The packages had a market value of more than $150,000.
“The defendant in this case profited from the endangered status of African lions and tigers by illegally buying and selling their parts on the black market,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown for the Eastern District of Texas. “We will continue to enforce our endangered species laws to protect our beautiful animal resources.”
Malasukum’s prison sentence will be followed by one year of supervised release.
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9 Comments
Smells like entrapment to me. Buying lion/tiger parts from someone in Texas, what dope, moroon.
How about that dog group in our neighborhood led by RD. I get they are involved in this stuff. The Sunnysuds Post never prints these type articles because SUDS is a big contributor.
Did you ever notice that people feeding the pigeons, which is illegal in NYC, never do it in front of their homes? They walk down the block a ways, just saying.
He lived in Woodside Texas
This is quality journalism!
See my vest , see my best, made from a real gorilla chest, feel my sweater, there’s no better then authentic Irish Setter,see my hat, ‘‘twas my cat..
They put the gravel down. See photo above
It’s from The Simpsons “ 2 dozen greyhounds and 1 “ episode. Back when it was smart and witty . Not the drek it is today. Have a sense of humor people.
Paul it’s me Leon from ups sorry I can’t pay you back now. When you get out i should have the dough. Good luck.