Japan Detains Chinese Nationals for Illegally Carrying 160kg of Protected Hermit Crabs

Authorities on Japan’s Amami Oshima island arrested three Chinese men after discovering hundreds of protected hermit crabs packed into six suitcases. The suspects—Liao Zhibin, 24; Song Zhenhao, 26; and Guo Jiawei, 27—were caught with approximately 160 kilograms of live crabs on Wednesday.

The arrests followed a report from hotel staff in the city of Amami who noticed something strange about the luggage. The three men had asked employees to store their bags, but hotel staff became suspicious after hearing rustling sounds coming from inside the suitcases.

Police arrived at the scene and, upon inspection, found the bags filled with live hermit crabs. These spiral-shelled creatures are not ordinary crustaceans—they are designated as “national natural monuments” in Japan and are protected due to their environmental and cultural significance.

When the suspects returned to retrieve the suitcases, police arrested them immediately. None of the men had permits to possess or move the crabs, violating Japan’s stringent wildlife protection laws. These regulations are designed to prevent illegal trade and protect endangered species.

Officials have not disclosed the men’s intentions or whether the crabs were meant for commercial trade. The case has raised concerns about the growing threat of wildlife smuggling and the challenges of protecting Japan’s native species from such illicit activity.

Japan treats its natural heritage seriously, with strict protections for species deemed ecologically or historically important. The unauthorized removal of any designated wildlife from its natural habitat can result in significant legal penalties, including criminal charges.

The Amami Islands, located between Kyushu and Okinawa, are rich in biodiversity and attract nature-loving tourists. This incident serves as a reminder that preserving the region’s rare species is crucial, and visitors must follow local conservation rules closely.