Headline: Designer Caught Selling Bags Made Of Endangered Reptiles
A famous bag designer was recently caught smuggling purses. The person, Nancy Teresa Gonzalez de Barberi, used the skin of protected creatures to make these purses. She was the founder of the luxury bag company Gzuniga. The United States Department of Justice sent her to prison for 18 months.
She was not the only one in the crime. Another person, Mauricio Giraldo, also got a jail punishment. The company had to let go of all their bags and other goods. They cannot do any business with wildlife products for the next three years.
The skins used by the company come from two protected types of animal – the caiman and python. These animals are being shielded by international laws to keep them safe.
Members of the company transported hundreds of bags to the US by different means. When in the US, they sold these illegal bags at their showroom in New York. Their crime went on from February 2016 until April 2019.
The legal and wildlife authorities are dedicated to stopping such actions. They want to keep the animals safe from being sold for profit. They are thankful for the support from partners in other countries. They promise to keep making sure the laws are followed.
Vocabulary List:
- Smuggling (noun): The illegal transportation of goods.
- Founder (noun): A person who establishes an organization or business.
- Punishment (noun): A penalty imposed for breaking a law or rule.
- Shielded (adjective): Protected or defended against harm or danger.
- Transported (verb): Carried or conveyed from one place to another.
- Illegal (adjective): Contrary to or forbidden by law.
