The Squirrel Scheme

by | Oct 27, 2020


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A criminal mastermind ring has been broken up—and at the center of it all, Flying Squirrels.

According to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, almost 4,000 Flying Squirrels have been trapped in the past three years. Poachers deployed traps throughout central Florida, caught the critters, and sold them to wildlife dealer Rodney Knox. He then laundered them through his actual business, claiming they were bred in captivity.

Here’s how it worked. Buyers from South Korea traveled to Florida, purchased the squirrels and drove them to Chicago. An exporter then shipped them to Asia. As the operation grew, couriers from Georgia were brought in to pick up the Flying Squirrels and bring them through Atlanta.

Florida Fish and Wildlife say the squirrels are worth more than $1 million, with Knox pocketing about $200,000. So far, six people have been arrested in the squirrel scheme.

But it doesn’t end there. The investigation also uncovered the same people were trafficking protected freshwater Turtles and alligators.

Fish and Wildlife say the squirrels were taken to entertain tourists. Unfortunately, they’re nocturnal.

Brian Banmiller

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CBS News Radio national business journalist Brian Banmiller has spent more than 40 years in the news industry, covering business, politics and the economy on television, radio and in print. Currently, his “Banmiller on Business” reports are delivered to an audience of millions nationwide.

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