San Francisco, California — Federal authorities have unveiled a major wildlife trafficking case involving nearly 2,000 protected turtles allegedly poached from Florida waters and illegally shipped overseas in a scheme prosecutors say generated more than $550,000 in the exotic pet trade.
The case centers on a Louisiana man accused of participating in an international operation that allegedly targeted rare turtle species protected under both state and international law.
Federal Indictment Details Alleged Turtle Trafficking Scheme
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Albert Bazaar, formerly of Angie, Louisiana, was arrested and later held in custody by a federal magistrate judge in Phoenix on conspiracy and wildlife trafficking charges.
Federal prosecutors allege Bazaar illegally collected and sold protected turtles between January 2022 and December 2023, violating the federal Lacey Act, which prohibits the transportation and sale of wildlife obtained illegally under state law.
Authorities claim the operation involved the illegal harvesting of more than:
- 1,700 loggerhead musk turtles
- 100 stripe-neck musk turtles
- 15 striped mud turtles
Investigators said the turtles were taken directly from Florida habitats before being transported to California for export to Taiwan.
Turtles Allegedly Falsely Labeled for Export
According to the indictment, authorities believe the turtles were falsely identified as captive-bred animals in order to secure export permits and avoid suspicion from wildlife regulators.
Federal prosecutors allege Bazaar fabricated declarations submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) claiming the turtles had been legally bred in Alabama and Georgia.
The Department of Justice said the reptiles were ultimately destined for the lucrative Asian exotic pet market, where rare turtle species can command extremely high prices.
Authorities estimate the turtles involved in the alleged operation were worth more than $550,000 overseas.
Investigation Tied to Larger Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown
Officials described the case as part of a broader federal effort aimed at dismantling wildlife trafficking operations across the southeastern United States.
According to investigators, Bazaar allegedly participated in eight separate transactions involving illegally collected turtles sold to a San Francisco-based exporter.
Prosecutors claim the exporter even financed some of Bazaar’s alleged poaching trips from Louisiana to Florida, including sending money to help purchase a boat and van used during the operation.
The investigation was carried out under “Operation Southern Hot Herps,” a joint federal and state initiative focused on stopping illegal turtle poaching and trafficking throughout the Southeast.
Protected Species at Center of Case
Under Florida law, freshwater and marine turtle species are protected from unregulated harvesting due to environmental concerns and population preservation efforts.
The species named in the indictment — loggerhead musk turtles, stripe-neck musk turtles and striped mud turtles — are also protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The international treaty regulates wildlife trade among more than 180 participating governments and aims to prevent endangered species from being overexploited for commercial profit.
Serious Penalties Possible if Convicted
If convicted, Bazaar could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each conspiracy and Lacey Act charge.
Several agencies assisted in the investigation, including:
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Federal officials say wildlife trafficking continues to be a growing global problem, especially involving reptiles and exotic species sold through international black markets.
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