Man who bragged he was ‘rich enough’ faces federal charges for seal attack

A businessman caught on viral video saying he was “rich enough” to avoid the consequences of attacking a beloved endangered species of seal in Hawaii may have to prove it after facing two federal charges stemming from the incident.

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, is suspected of throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. rare marine mammals An incident captured on camera by local residents on May 5.

Business records show Lytvynchuk, who boasted of his wealth when faced with actions from angry passersby, was the owner of a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington.

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“What are you doing? Why are you throwing rocks at him? Hello?” In the video, a woman can be heard screaming as the man, wearing a white shirt and swimsuit, throws a rock at the seal’s head along the Maui shoreline.

According to the Department of Justice’s statement announcing the charges, the Hawaiian monk seal in the video is called “Lani” by loving locals. There are only about 1,600 Hawaiian monk seals in the wild.

According to the Department of Justice, Lytvynchuk was charged with harassing and attempting to harass the endangered animal, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. He was arrested near Seattle on Wednesday.

A Hawaiian monk seal rests on the rocky shore of Lehua Island near Niihau, Hawaii. The species Neomonachus scauinslandi is endangered. (Andre Seale/VW PICS/Universal Images Group)

He could face up to a year in prison for both harassment and attempted harassment charges, as well as a $50,000 fine under the Endangered Species Act and up to a $20,000 fine under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

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“The rock narrowly missed his nose, startling him and causing him to jump out of the water,” the statement says. “According to witnesses, Lani remained largely immobile for an extended period of time after the incident, causing great concern for her welfare.”

Confronting witnesses, Lytvynchuk dismissed their concerns, stating that he was “rich enough to pay the fines” if he got into trouble.

Two Hawaiian monk seals swim in the surf at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii. (Auscape/Universal Images Group)

“The unique and valuable wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity. We are committed to protecting our vulnerable wild species, especially endangered Hawaiian monk seals like Lani,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We promise that those who harass and seek to harm our protected wildlife will be swiftly held accountable in federal court.”

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The video caused a stir on social media, with users quickly identifying the suspect, leading to calls for his arrest.

After his arrest, users celebrated.

“Karma doesn’t care how rich you are,” he said user x.

“I hope justice will be served in court and this scumbag gets a serious prison sentence.” someone else said.

It was not immediately clear whether Lytvynchuk had a lawyer.