U.S. officials say they cracked rhino horn ring
By QMI Agency

Seven people have been arrested on charges of trafficking in endangered black rhinoceros horn over the past week in Los Angeles, Newark, N.J., and New York, the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior today announced. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Handout/QMI AGENCY)
Seven Americans have been arrested, accused of trafficking endangered black rhinoceros horns.

"The rhino is an animal of prehistoric origin that is facing possible extinction because of an illegal trade for its horns on the black market that is driven by greed," said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the U.S. justice department's environment and natural resources division. "The rhino is protected under both U.S. and international law, and we are taking aggressive action to protect the rhino by investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who are engaged in this brutal trade."

Jin Zhao Feng, a Chinese national who allegedly oversaw the shipment of at least dozens of rhino horns from the U.S. to China, was arrested Wednesday night in Los Angeles, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a press release Thursday.

Alleged accomplices were also arrested in New Jersey and New York.

Those charged include an antiques expert who allegedly bought a stuffed rhinoceros head from an undercover cop.

Officials said 37 horns were recovered from 17 packages.

The demand for rhinoceros horn, which is used by some cultures for ornamental carvings, good luck charms or medicinal purposes, has resulted in a thriving black market, officials said.

The maximum penalties for the charges the accused are facing include up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy; five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Lacey Act violations; and up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for violations of the Endangered Species Act.