Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development have just released details on an investigation and conviction of a Niverville resident.
In 2019, Steinbach conservation officers began an investigation into illegal activities trafficking furs.
On June 28, 2022, the individual from Niverville pleaded guilty to six counts of violating the Wildlife Act and received a two-year hunting suspension, as well as $3,700 in fines and a $7,000 restitution order.
The multi-agency investigation included a search warrant for social media communications between the dealer and a U.S. client which uncovered information individuals were illegally buying fur-bearing animals from Manitoba trappers.
In October 2020, officers executed a search warrant at a Niverville residence and seized cellphones, computers, documents and an Arctic wolf pelt. Further investigation determined the individual had been involved in the killing of two moose out-of-season near South Indian Lake in January 2020, the killing and possession of a barren-ground caribou near South Indian Lake in March 2018, and fur dealing without a licence between Sept. 1, 2019, and Feb. 23, 2020.
Officers charged the individual with 23 violations of the Wildlife Act including killing big game during a prohibited time, possession of wildlife illegally taken, engaging in the business of trading furs without a licence, buying and selling wild animal parts without a licence and failure to submit transaction records.
Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development have not released the name of the person.
Anyone with information on illegal activity is asked to call the local Natural Resources and Northern Development office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).