MOSCOW, October 27 (RAPSI) – A court in Russia’s Altai Krai has convicted three defendants in a case over an attempt to transfer 6 rare wild peregrine falcons abroad, the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office reports.

One smuggler has been given 1.5 years in penal colony while two other defendants received suspended terms, 3.5 years and 2 years and 2 months.

According to the investigation, in October 2019, the defendants attempted to transfer 6 rare peregrine falcons listed in the Red Book to Kazakhstan. As estimated by experts, all birds grew in the natural habitat and their smuggling could cause damage worth 3.5 million rubles (over $45,000). They were charged with attempt to illegally move highly valued wild birs through the state border and illegal purchase and keeping of rare wildlife from the Red Book of Russia.