Chinese diver detained in Indonesia for alleged sea turtle poaching

A Chinese national, identified as Wei Shang, has been detained in Indonesia for allegedly hunting a protected sea turtle in the Raja Ampat marine conservation area. Indonesian authorities report that between September 8 and 11, the 36-year-old suspect used scuba gear and a speargun to kill a hawksbill turtle, which was subsequently brought back to a guesthouse and reportedly cooked.

Local indigenous patrol teams reported the incident after seeing footage of the act on social media. Indonesian police seized evidence including turtle skeletal remains, shell fragments, and knives. Authorities have also applied for Interpol Red Notices for two accomplices who have already left the country.

Wei Shang, a senior instructor for the AIDA International freediving organization, has denied the allegations, claiming the person in the videos is not him. However, Indonesian officials stated they possess substantial evidence, including photos of the hunting and videos of the turtle being slaughtered. If convicted under local conservation laws, the suspect faces between 3 to 15 years in prison and significant fines. AIDA International has launched a disciplinary review regarding his instructor credentials.