Malaysian trafficker snared
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Malaysian trafficker snared

A 58-year-old Malaysian man was arrested in Bangkok on Wednesday on suspicion of trafficking wildlife around the world. He will be extradited to the United States, police said yesterday.

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, said Boon Ching Teo was arrested at a hotel on Pradit Manutham Road in Wang Thonglang district based on allegations of wildlife trafficking and money laundering.

Pol Col Arun Wachirasukanya, deputy commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, said the suspect was wanted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

He is allegedly prominent in the world of wildlife trafficking and part of a global network trading in rhinoceros horns, elephant tusks and other endangered animals from Africa. He is also believed to be laundering money for other traffickers.

"We received information that [Mr Boon] would be visiting Thailand to engage in illicit business. Our team ... discovered his whereabouts, and we arrested him," said Pol Col Arun.

The suspect was arrested in Thailand in 2015 for smuggling African elephant tusks, for which he received a fine.

Police said they have handed him over to the Office of the Attorney-General for extradition.

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