Hayward resident faces charges for smuggling 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 and his company, Sealogic International, Inc., are facing charges of smuggling and violations of the Lacey Act, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Lacey Act prohibits the export of any fish that is possessed, transported, or sold in violation of U.S. laws.

Chen, 53, is accused of engaging in illegal activities such as filing false and fraudulent export records and documents, as well as failing to submit required documents for shipments of live tropical fish from the U.S. to buyers in Asia. As the owner and chief executive of Sealogic, a tropical fish importer and exporter based in Hayward, Chen’s alleged actions have raised serious concerns within the industry.

The indictment reveals that starting in 2020, Chen and Sealogic failed to properly declare shipments of tropical fish being exported to a buyer in Hong Kong to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, it is alleged that Chen and his company knowingly submitted false export declarations to the authorities on other occasions. These export declarations are crucial for ensuring the proper and safe import and export of wildlife, as well as for allowing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to inspect cargoes and collect necessary export duties and fees.

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

In the case of Sealogic, if convicted under either charge, the company could face a maximum fine of $250,000, three years of probation, and similar penalties for restitution and forfeiture. The severity of the charges highlights the importance of adhering to laws and regulations governing the trade of wildlife and the consequences of violating them.

The indictment of Futseng „Dale“ Chen and Sealogic International, Inc. serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and the significance of upholding laws that protect endangered species and ecosystems. As the case unfolds, it will be closely monitored to ensure accountability and justice for those involved in the illicit trade of tropical fish.