Chinese national accused of trying to smuggle 2,000 ants from Kenya

On March 17, at a court hearing in Nairobi, it was reported that Zhang purchased insects from Charles Mwangi for approximately $77 per hundred. Kenyan authorities say demand for garden ants is growing, especially in Europe and Asia, where they are often kept as exotic pets. Authorities did not specify whether this information specifically related to the ants that Zhang was trying to export, but it is known that his luggage was supposed to go to China.

Both suspects, who are also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, remain in custody. At the same time, Mwangi faces an additional charge of illegal trade – in another episode, live ants were already found in his possession. According to Nairobi media, the men did not admit their guilt. Their lawyer, David Lusveti, said they did not realize the illegality of their actions. According to him, they expected to establish sales abroad and make money from it. Zhang and Mwangi’s next court hearing is scheduled for March 27.

A senior Kenya Wildlife Service official previously said the investigation was ongoing and could lead to more arrests. Now it is being expanded to other cities, where, presumably, ants are also being collected. Last May, a court in Kenya sentenced four men to a year in prison or a fine for attempting to illegally export thousands of queen ants. It was assumed that the insects were intended for collectors in Europe and Asia.