High-end handbag creator sentenced for illegal wildlife trafficking and using endangered animals for products

A prominent luxury handbag designer has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to smuggling purses made from protected caiman and python species, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice. Nancy Teresa Gonzalez de Barberi, the founder of the luxury handbag company Gzuniga, received an 18-month prison sentence for illegally importing merchandise from Colombia to the United States, which was crafted from endangered wildlife. Her associate, Mauricio Giraldo, also faced legal consequences.

Both Gonzalez and Giraldo were ordered to forfeit all seized handbags and products, banned from wildlife commercial activities for three years, and placed on probation. Gonzalez received 18 months in prison, while Giraldo served time equivalent to approximately 22 months and faced additional penalties.

Another co-conspirator, John Camilo Aguilar Jaramillo, pleaded guilty earlier and awaits sentencing. The trio, all Colombian citizens, were extradited to the U.S. for prosecution.

The handbags made by Gzuniga using caiman and python skins fall under the protection of CITES regulations. Trafficking in these species is strictly monitored under international agreements, with the U.S. Justice Department emphasizing the importance of combating illegal smuggling.

The indictments charged Gzuniga, Gonzalez, Giraldo, and Jaramillo with conspiracy and smuggling offenses spanning from 2016 to 2019. The case highlights the commitment of authorities, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to combat wildlife trafficking and hold accountable those who violate laws protecting endangered species.

The investigation revealed a complex smuggling network involving couriers transporting undeclared, high-priced handbags made from protected reptile skins. The U.S. government, in collaboration with international partners, is determined to uphold regulations safeguarding wildlife from exploitation for profit.