Federal Court Sentences Two for Wildlife Trafficking

Linh Luu and Kevin Le face probation and fines for illegally moving endangered animal parts between Oregon and Vietnam.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife

Federal Court Sentences Two for Wildlife Trafficking

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Should courts impose stricter penalties for individuals convicted of trafficking endangered wildlife parts?

A federal court in Eugene sentenced Linh Luu and Kevin Le to three years of probation each for trafficking protected wildlife. The pair pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act after moving animal parts between Oregon and Vietnam.

Why it matters

The case highlights international efforts to combat the illegal trade of protected species, which often relies on sophisticated methods to bypass customs and banking regulations. The defendants engaged in these sales to build trust for larger future illegal wildlife transactions.

The defendants were ordered to pay a $10,000 fine each. The trafficked items included American black bear gallbladders, cougar bones, lion teeth, rhinoceros horns, and a tiger pelt.

The players

Linh Luu

Linh Luu is an individual convicted of violating the Lacey Act through the illegal transport of endangered wildlife parts.

Kevin Le

Kevin Le is a co-defendant who pleaded guilty to his role in a wildlife trafficking operation involving goods shipped to Vietnam.

The details

Luu and Le shipped wildlife parts disguised as household decorations and used electronic payments to move funds. They previously accepted a $12,000 cash payment from an undercover federal agent in December 2020.

September 2019 through May 2021: Luu and Le moved wildlife between Oregon and Vietnam.
December 2020: The defendants met an undercover federal agent.
October 23, 2026: The court sentenced the defendants.

Culture Shift

This sentencing underscores the global enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which includes 183 signatory governments. It marks a significant effort to curb the illicit trade of protected species that threatens biodiversity.

The case highlights the importance of reporting suspicious animal part sales to local wildlife authorities, as these items are often disguised as everyday household goods. Awareness of protected species regulations helps ensure residents do not inadvertently participate in the illegal trade.

The takeaway

Wildlife trafficking remains a serious federal crime that carries significant financial and legal consequences. Residents can help protect endangered species by verifying that any exotic wildlife products are sourced legally and comply with international treaties.