Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Whale and Bird Parts in Maine

A man pleaded guilty to trafficking whale and bird parts in violation of the Lacey Act in Maine.

Multiple Charges for Importing and Selling Wildlife Items

Sergey Bachkovsky was charged with importing wildlife items from Europe between June 2023 and March 2024 and sold the items online in the United States.

Selling Prohibited Wildlife Items

“The items included sperm whale and marine mammal teeth (both raw items and scrimshaw art pieces), blue whale and Antarctic minke whale ear bones, and a broad-winged hawk carcass,” according to the United States Attorney's Office.

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Notice of Forfeiture

Charges also included a notice of forfeiture of wildlife items he intended to sell which included marine mammal and bear teeth, whale vertebrae, and feathers and wings from eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures.

Violations of Lacey Act

Court records said the charges are violations of the Lacey Act against wildlife trafficking, trade in wildlife taken, possessed, transported or sold.

Endangered Species Act

Sperm whales and blue whales are protected species protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1973.

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The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act

“The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibit the sale and transportation of whale and migratory bird items without a permit, such as for public display, scientific study, or enhancement of species survival,” said court documents.