Police on a Japanese holiday island have apprehended three Chinese nationals for smuggling thousands of protected hermit crabs found crammed into multiple suitcases. The suspects, identified as Liao Zhibin, 24, Song Zhenhao, 26, and Guo Jiawei, 27, were caught with 160 kilograms (353 pounds) of live crustaceans on the Amami Islands near Okinawa. A hotel worker raised the alarm in Amami after hearing suspicious noises emanating from suitcases left in their care by the men. Upon investigation, officers discovered the hermit crabs concealed in six suitcases. The trio was subsequently arrested for unauthorized possession of the crustaceans, which are considered “national natural monuments” in Japan due to their cultural and scientific significance. The motive behind the smuggling operation remains unclear. The Amami archipelago, located off southwestern Kyushu and north of Okinawa, is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna and is a popular tourist spot. To stay updated on the latest news from CNN, sign up for an account on CNN.com.
