Chinese national charged for trying to smuggle 2,000 ants from Kenya
Posted on: Mar 18, 2026 11:24 IST | Posted by: Bbc
A Chinese adult male and his Kenyan tie in feature been supercharged with illegally dealing in wildlife species after they were caught trying to smuggle more than 2,000 live queen garden ants out of Kenya.
Zhang Kequn was arrested at the international airport in the capital Nairobi last week after authorities discovered the large consignment of ants in his luggage –each of them either stashed in a test tube or wrapped in tissue.
On Tuesday, a court in Nairobi heard that Zhang bought the ants from Charles Mwangi at 10,000 Kenyan shillings ($77; £58) for every 100 of them.
Kenyan authorities have been warning about of a growing demand for garden ants in Europe and Asia, where collectors keep them as pets.
Officials have not said if this were the case for the insects Zhang tried to bring out of the country, but his luggage was bound for China.
The two men, who were also charged with conspiring to commit a felony, remain in custody.
Mwangi faces a second count of the illegal dealing charge, after he was found with more live ants in a separate occasion.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to Nairobi media outlets.
Zhang's attorney David Lusweti said the men did not know that they were breaking the law.
"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 told the Associated Press.
Zhang and Mwangi will appear before the court again on 27 March.
More arrests are expected, a senior official from the Kenya Wildlife Service earlier told the BBC, as investigators expand their probe into other towns where ant harvesting was suspected to be ongoing.
In May last year, a Kenyan court sentenced four men to one year in prison or a fine of $7,700 (£5,800) for trying to smuggle thousands of live queen ants out of the country. The insects were reportedly destined for collectors in Europe and Asia.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.