Russian faces 5 years imprisonment for smuggling baby orangutan

Press conference on Monday, March 25.

BADUNG, kanalbali.com- A Russian man Zhestkov Andrei who had tried to smuggle baby orangutan from Bali to Russia is now facing a maximum 5 years imprisonment. Andrei would be charged under the natural resources and ecosystem conservation law.

Denpasar Police chief Sr. Comr. Ruddi Setiawan told the press conference at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport on Monday, March 25, said that the suspect would be charged article 21 subsection 2 of law no 5/1990 on natural resources and ecosystem conservation. The article regulate attempt to export protected animal. "He could face a maximum 5 years imprisonment or Rp 100 million of fine," Ruddi said.

Andrei was arrested at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International airport on Friday night when he catch his flight to Rusia via Seoul. He was arrested at the airport's international departure gate when the aviation security found a baby orangutan in his luggage. Two geckos and four Chameleons were also found in his luggage.

The orangutan and other animal was drugged, put inside a rattan basket, and placed inside his suitcase. Some clothes were put around the rattan to fool security.

To the police, Andrei said that the orangutan was taken from Java. "Further investigation is being conducted to find out where he get the orangutan and how he bring it into Bali," Ruddi said.

Investigation will also focus to find out who would be given the orangutan in Russia.(kanalbali/KR12)