3 men arrested in Japan for possession of several thousand protected hermit crabs
Three Chinese men have been arrested for alleged possession of several thousand protected hermit crabs in the southwestern Japan city of Amami, police said.
Liao Zhibin, 24, Song Zhenhao, 26, and Guo Jiawei, 27, are suspected of possessing around 160 kilograms of hermit crabs designated as "national natural monuments" on Tuesday without authorization from the head of the Cultural Affairs Agency, the police said.
Authorities believe the three may have intended to sell the crabs, which were packed in six suitcases.
A staff member from a hotel where the men stayed alerted the police through an Environment Ministry official.
The police have not said whether the three have admitted to the allegations.
© KYODO
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