Two Men Face Wildlife Trafficking Charges After Ant Smuggling Bust in Kenya

A Chinese citizen and Kenyan man were arrested in Nairobi after authorities discovered nearly 2,300 live ants stored in specialized containers. The case highlights Kenya's growing problem with illegal ant trafficking to European and Asian markets.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Two individuals appeared in a Nairobi courtroom Tuesday facing wildlife trafficking charges after being caught with nearly 2,300 live ants packaged in specialized containers.

Zhang Kequn, a Chinese citizen, and Charles Mwangi, a Kenyan resident, were formally charged with illegally trafficking wildlife species and conspiracy to commit a felony following their March 10 arrest.

According to court documents, authorities discovered the men possessing 1,948 garden ants housed in specialized tubes, plus another 300 ants concealed within tissue rolls. Neither suspect held the necessary permits required by Kenya’s wildlife protection statutes for handling or trading such species.

Prosecutors allege Kequn purchased the insects from Mwangi in two separate transactions — paying 60,000 Kenyan shillings ($463) for 600 ants initially, then 70,000 shillings ($540) for a second batch of 700 ants. Mwangi faces an additional charge after allegedly being discovered with more live ants.

Both defendants remain in jail pending further proceedings.

David Lusweti, representing Kequn, told The Associated Press the men were unaware they were violating any laws. “They have seen potential that they are able to sell outside the country, they believe that they can make a living out of it,” he explained.

This arrest represents the latest incident in what Kenyan officials describe as an expanding illegal trade involving ant smuggling to European and Asian markets. Authorities have not disclosed whether the insects are desired as exotic pets or serve other commercial purposes.

In 2023, two Belgian teenagers faced similar wildlife trafficking charges after being caught with 5,000 ants in test tubes. Kenyan authorities estimated those insects’ value at 1 million shillings ($7,700).

The Kenya Wildlife Service previously stated that such illegal exports “not only undermines Kenya’s sovereign rights over its biodiversity but also deprives local communities and research institutions of potential ecological and economic benefits.”

Another case from last year involved a Kenyan citizen and Vietnamese national who were similarly charged with illegal trafficking after being found with 400 ants.