In New York, Victor Gordon, 68, the owner of an African art store busted by the federal officials, he is accused of smuggling carved elephants tusks into the United States. Federal officials seized roughly a ton of ivory in one of the largest US seizures on record. These ivory tusks were put into the public property by US officials.

Gordon alleged not convict or blame in US federal court in Brooklyn to charges of conspiracy, smuggling and violating the Lacey Act, an anti-trafficking law intend to curbing shipments of protected wildlife, including ivory from elephants and rhinos by illegal means.
According to the prosecution Gordon remunerated a partner to purchase raw elephant ivory in west and central Africa and have it carved to his specifications, he also directed the partner to dye or stain the carvings to make them look aged and antique than they were and to ship them to his Philadelphia art store.

Authorities confiscated hundreds of tusks sold or owned by Gordon in Philadelphia and other places in Pennsylvania, and in New York, Missouri and Kansas. According to the prosecution, in what was described as among the largest U.S. seizures of elephant ivory on record. According to the Loretta Lynch, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the amount of the elephant ivory allegedly looted in this case is overwhelming and highlights the seriousness of the charged crimes.

Gordon charges if proved, he faces a maximum of 20 years confinement and has been released on $1 million bail.

US art dealer arrested in huge illegal ivory haul

From: – Vibhanshu Vaibhav