Along with seven others, Mexican bootmaker Martin Villegas has been indicted by a Colorado grand jury for trading in protected animal skins, conspiracy and money laundering following a three-year investigation carried out by US and Mexican authorities.
Those arrested allegedly sent more than 25 shipments containing skins from sea turtles, ostrich and caiman to the US. Mr Villegas was arrested after meeting with an undercover agent who was posing as an undercover agent. A factory and warehouse in Leon was then raided, and was found to contain approximately 400 pairs of cowboy boots and 150 belts made from sea turtle skin along with illegally made crocodile, lizard and cobra goods.
According to the US Justice Department, the sea turtle boots, which are worth approximately $70 in Mexico, can go for up to $500 in America.
If convicted for smuggling, Mr Villegas could face up to 20 years in prison and $500,000 in fines, while if convicted for the same offence in Mexico the prison term would be one to nine years and the fine just $13,650.
Former Mexican President, Vincente Fox, and US President, George Bush, have also been caught up in the affair. Mr Bush was given a pair of ostrich-skin cowboy boots from the Villegas collection during a visit to Mr Fox’s ranch, while Mr Fox and members of his cabinet purchased and wore the footwear. A line of the boots was even named after Mr Fox while he was still in office. Concerns have been raised over how much the former President knew about the illegal activity, but Mr Fox staunchly denies any knowledge of the illegal activity.
