Critically endangered species in the luggage of a Ukrainian. Here’s what he wanted to bring into Poland

During a border control at Korczowa, customs officers discovered a taxidermied hawksbill turtle in the luggage of a 28-year-old Ukrainian citizen. The individual lacked the necessary documentation for transporting this critically endangered species, which is protected under the CITES agreement. The turtle was confiscated and legal proceedings were initiated. Violating CITES regulations can result in imprisonment for 3 months to 5 years. CITES governs the transport of endangered species, requiring permits to ensure legal provenance for such specimens when crossing EU borders.