SARATOGA — A coins and antiques dealer was arrested Wednesday in connection with an alleged international elephant ivory trafficking scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.
Shahram “Ron” Roohparvar, 61, of Saratoga, is charged with three counts each of wildlife trafficking and smuggling.
According to an indictment unsealed Wednesday, Roohparvar illegally sold two ivory carvings and one ivory statute to customers in New Zealand and Australia between 2012 and 2015.
Roohparvar, who owns the Coins and Antiques Gallery, advertised the artworks on his business’ website and eBay, according to the indictment.
Federal statutes and international agreements regulate the export of elephant ivory and make it a crime, to among other things, export such products without proper permits and declarations.
“Elephant ivory and carved art objects made from such ivory are highly valued and sought after commodities, and the international trade of them has been largely banned and highly regulated since 1976,” the indictment said.
According to the indictment, Roohparvar offered ivory for sale on the Internet and exported it in violation of the rules.
In one case, he sold an ivory carving to a buyer in New Zealand for $1,950, but told the U.S. Postal Service it was a “small Japanese statute” worth $59, according to the indictment.
Several statues made of ivory were featured on the business’ website Wednesday, and a welcome message said in part, “Our attitude towards dealing is flexible and creative — every deal is different.”
If convicted of the charges, Roohparvar faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wildlife trafficking and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of smuggling, authorities said.
Roohparvar is out of custody on $250,000 bond. He is next scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on April 6.