'X-Rayed and Caught' 74 Chameleons Estimated Worth 50 Million Won Hidden in Socks, Seized at European Airport

Unusual Shape Appears on X-ray Examination
Chameleon Estimated to Be Traded on Black Market for 50 Million Won

A chameleon hidden inside the sock.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A man attempting to smuggle about 70 chameleons hidden in socks into Austria was caught at the airport.

On the 26th (local time), BBC and other outlets reported that an unidentified 56-year-old man arriving from Tanzania, Africa, was caught by customs after hiding 74 chameleons in socks and ice cream containers.

The Austrian Ministry of Finance stated, "An X-ray inspection of the luggage revealed an unusual shape, which alerted security personnel," adding, "Although chameleons are skilled at camouflage, they ultimately could not pass through the X-ray machine."

The man who concealed the chameleons faces a fine of up to 6,000 euros (approximately 8 million KRW).

The man entered Austria from Tanzania via Ethiopia along with the chameleons. The chameleons were immediately transferred to Sch?nbrunn Zoo in Vienna upon discovery, but three died due to poor management during the smuggling process.

The zoo explained, "All the chameleons inhabited the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania," and added, "Their ages vary from one-week-old babies to adults."

Authorities estimated that these chameleons could be sold on the black market for about 37,000 euros (approximately 49.7 million KRW).

Chameleon hidden in an ice cream container.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.