Hayward resident accused of trafficking tropical fish

A Hayward man suspected of smuggling tropical fish to buyers in Asia has been indicted by a federal grand jury in San Francisco. Futseng “Dale” Chen, along with his company Sealogic International, Inc., is facing charges of smuggling and violations of the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act prohibits the export of fish that have been obtained, transported, or sold in violation of U.S. law.

Chen, 53, is accused of submitting false and fraudulent export data and documents, as well as failing to provide the necessary paperwork for shipments of live tropical fish from the U.S. to buyers in Asia. As the owner and CEO of Sealogic, a tropical fish importer and exporter based in Hayward, Chen allegedly failed to report the export of tropical fish to a buyer in Hong Kong to the US Fish and Wildlife Service starting in 2020.

The indictment further alleges that Chen and Sealogic intentionally filed false export declarations with authorities on multiple occasions. These export declarations are crucial for ensuring the proper and safe import and export of wildlife in the U.S. They also allow the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to inspect shipments and collect the appropriate export duties and fees.

Following his arrest, Chen appeared in San Francisco federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros. He was released on bail and is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston on September 13. If convicted of smuggling goods, Chen could face up to 10 years in prison. For false labeling under the Lacey Act, he could face up to 5 years in prison. Each charge carries a maximum fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, as well as restitution and forfeiture.

In the event of a conviction, Sealogic could face a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of probation, along with restitution and forfeiture. The consequences of these charges are severe, highlighting the importance of complying with laws and regulations surrounding the import and export of wildlife.

The case against Chen and Sealogic serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of wildlife smuggling and the importance of adhering to legal requirements when engaging in international trade. It also underscores the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case will be closely watched by those in the industry and conservationists alike.