DOCUMENT: Animals, Internet

Dozen Busted For Endangered Species Sales

Seized items include leopard skin coat, turtle shoes

Tiger Rug

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Smuggled Animals

JANUARY 6--As part of a criminal probe targeting individuals selling endangered species on Craigslist and other web sites, federal and state agents have arrested a dozen suspects during an investigation dubbed Operation Cyberwild, according to prosecutors.

The investigation, which began in mid-2011, resulted in the seizure of a variety of items that were purchased by undercover agents.

On the following pages you’ll find 10 evidence photos released today by federal prosecutors in Los Angeles. Nine defendants are facing felony charges in U.S. District Court, while the remaining three individuals have been charged by the L.A. County District Attorney. (10 pages)

The seized items included: