Fife trader sentenced for trying to sell tiger claws on website

Seller put illeoal items from enhanoereh species up for auction

police moved in and recovered them.

Speaking following Monday’s sentencing, wildlife crime officer PC Lindsay Kerr said: “Whyte stood to make a significant profit from the sale of these tiger claws – the sale of which is a contravention of endangered species legislation.

“As soon as Police Scotland became aware of the items being illegally offered for purchase online, a robust investigation was launched which resulted in Whyte being convicted in October.

“The sale of endangered animal parts will not be tolerated and anyone involved in such activities can expect to be dealt with by police.”

Whyte, of Anderson Drive, had admitted that between July 19 and 29, 2015, by using ebay he advertised for sale and sold a quantity of items described as tiger claws.

Depute fiscal Kate Fleming said 10 tiger claws had been put up for sale and six of these had been confirmed as genuine.

Whyte’s solicitor Peter Mullin said his client had bought the box for a colleague whose granddaughter collected fossils.

He added his client usually traded online in motorcycle parts and was a regular visitor to the Dunfermline auction room.

The sale of endangered animal parts will not be tolerated and anyone involved in such activities can expect to be dealt withby police.