Two Belgian teenagers, Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, along with a Vietnamese national and a Kenyan citizen, have pleaded guilty to charges of illegal wildlife trafficking in Kenya. The group was arrested on April 5 at a guesthouse in Naivasha with approximately 5,000 live queen ants packed in over 2,200 test tubes, valued at 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,800). The ants included ecologically significant species like the Giant African Harvester Ant (Messor cephalotes).
The suspects claimed they were collecting the ants as a hobby and were unaware of the legal implications. David and Lodewijckx, both 19, appeared remorseful in court, pleading for leniency. Their lawyer argued that the act stemmed from curiosity rather than criminal intent.
Kenyan authorities have described this as a premeditated operation, with modified test tubes designed to sustain the ants for months while evading airport security. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) stated that the illegal trade undermines Kenya's biodiversity and economic potential.
The case highlights growing concerns over unconventional wildlife crimes and the trafficking of lesser-known species to exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia. Sentencing is expected soon, marking a significant step in Kenya's efforts to combat wildlife biopiracy.
