Story perspectives

Kenyan Court Jails Chinese Ant Smuggler, 1-Year, $5,690 Fine

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

On 15 April, a Kenyan court sentenced Chinese national Zhang Kequn to one year in prison and a 1 million-shilling (£5,690) fine after customs at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport found 2,200 giant African harvester ants.
Magistrate Irene Gichobi said the sentence addresses rising ant smuggling that threatens ecological roles.
Prosecutors reported Zhang paid 100 Kenyan shillings per ant.
Pat Stanchev of Best Ants UK said a queen ant can fetch up to £235 in exotic-pet markets.

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Story summary

On 15 April, a Kenyan court sentenced Chinese national Zhang Kequn to one year in prison and a 1 million-shilling (£5,690) fine after customs at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport found 2,200 giant African harvester ants.
Magistrate Irene Gichobi said the sentence addresses rising ant smuggling that threatens ecological roles.
Prosecutors reported Zhang paid 100 Kenyan shillings per ant.
Pat Stanchev of Best Ants UK said a queen ant can fetch up to £235 in exotic-pet markets.