Italian Father-Son Duo Fined $200,000 for Insect Smuggling in Sri Lanka

An Italian father and son duo have been handed a fine of 60 million Sri Lankan rupees (approximately $200,000 or £150,000) for their attempt to smuggle hundreds of endemic insects, including 92 butterfly species, out of Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park.

The incident took place on May 8, 2024. Luigi Ferrari, a 68-year-old orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle injuries, and his 28-year-old son Mattia were apprehended by park rangers after being discovered with jars containing the insects. The arrest was prompted by a vigilant safari jeep driver who noticed a suspicious vehicle parked along the road. Upon investigation, rangers found the men had ventured into the forest equipped with insect nets. A search of their car’s trunk revealed hundreds of jars, each containing chemically preserved dead insects.

Further inquiries uncovered that the Ferraris had employed animal attractants to lure the insects and intended to use wax sachets for chemical preservation. Initially facing 810 counts related to illegal collection, possession, and transportation of the insects, the charges were subsequently reduced to 304. Their conviction in early September resulted in the highest-ever fine for wildlife crime in Sri Lanka. Failure to pay the fine by September 24 could result in a two-year jail term for the pair. Yala National Park, situated in southeastern Sri Lanka, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, boasting high concentrations of leopards, elephants, and buffalos.

The park is a favoured destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. Despite being described by friends as an insect enthusiast and member of an entomology association in Modena, Italy, Luigi Ferrari’s actions have drawn criticism. While some colleagues argue that the insects in his possession held no commercial value, Dr Jagath Gunawardena, an expert in environmental law, emphasizes that the severe fine serves as a deterrent to potential wildlife criminals and establishes a strong precedent for the protection of endangered species.

Wildlife trafficking remains a significant issue in Sri Lanka, with several high-profile cases reported in recent years. In August 2024, two Russian nationals were arrested for collecting animals in the Knuckles Forest Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in central Sri Lanka.