A pet scorpion seized at Incheon International Airport. This photo is unrelated to the article. [Yonhap]
A pet scorpion seized at Incheon International Airport. This photo is unrelated to the article. [Yonhap]

A South Korean man has been sentenced to five years in prison in South Africa after being caught trying to smuggle 150 live scorpions out of the country.

According to the South Korean Embassy in South Africa and local media, the man, identified only by the initial A and aged 28, was arrested at Cape Town International Airport on June 12 while attempting to board a flight with 150 live scorpions.

He had wrapped the scorpions in plastic and hidden them among clothing inside his travel bag, according to authorities.

A claimed he had purchased the scorpions locally, but the court found it reasonable to conclude he had been actively involved in collecting and packaging them himself, citing the fact that he was also carrying collection equipment.

The court also determined that he had not only damaged the natural environment by illegally collecting wild scorpions but had also endangered aviation safety by bringing venomous animals into the airport.

A was indicted on charges of violating South Africa's environmental protection and aviation laws and received a five-year prison sentence in a first-instance ruling on Sept. 16.

On the same day, South African police arrested another South Korean man, identified as B and in his 30s, near his accommodation in a tourist city about 300 kilometers from Cape Town, on suspicion of possessing a large number of scorpions.

Local investigators are looking into the possibility that the attempts to collect and export scorpions were part of an organized operation, according to sources familiar with the matter.

South Africa saw a similar case in January 2024, when a South Korean national surnamed Kim was indicted on charges of illegally collecting more than 10 scorpions in Paarl, a well-known wine-producing town about 60 kilometers east of Cape Town. Kim was sentenced to a fine of 380,000 rand ($23,200 at the time) or two years in prison.

The South Korean Embassy in South Africa issued a safety notice warning that "there have been cases recently in which South Korean nationals have been arrested by local police and subjected to criminal proceedings for illegally collecting scorpions and other wildlife without permits."

The embassy urged caution, adding that "South African authorities strictly prohibit and criminally punish the unauthorized collection, possession, transport and export of wild animals and plants, including scorpions, spiders, cacti, abalone and wild herbs."


bbo@heraldcorp.com