Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "The Butterfly Smuggler"

Criminal is a captivating podcast by Vox Media that delves into the intricate world of crime, exploring the stories of individuals who have committed acts of wrongdoing, been wronged, or found themselves entangled in morally gray areas. In the episode titled "The Butterfly Smuggler," released on February 21, 2025, host Phoebe Judge uncovers the nuanced tale of Yoshi Kojima, an infamous butterfly smuggler, and the undercover efforts of Ed Newcomer from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring him to justice.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Ed Newcomer reflecting on his initial expectations of his role in the Fish and Wildlife Service:

Ed Newcomer [01:05]: "I came into the service thinking, oh, I'm going to be protecting tiger cubs and you know, we're going to be rescuing elephants and things like that."

Contrasting these noble intentions is his first major case involving Yoshi Kojima, whom Kojima self-identifies as the "world's most wanted butterfly smuggler."

Yoshi Kojima: The Master Smuggler

Ed Newcomer introduces Yoshi Kojima, detailing his extensive background in illegally collecting and selling butterflies:

Ed Newcomer [01:21]: "The very first case that was kind of given to me myself to run was Yoshi Kojima, who was what, what he called himself, the world's most wanted butterfly smuggler. I mean, this guy, he knew fish and wildlife were after him and he loved it."

Background on Smuggling Operations:

Kojima specialized in rare and endangered butterfly species, particularly the "bird wings" (Ornithoptera), which can fetch up to $10,000 each. His operations spanned the western United States, where he illicitly collected butterflies from national parks like Death Valley and the Grand Canyon.

Ed Newcomer [02:49]: "Phoebe, there is a market for everything in the wildlife world. You name it, somebody will buy it and be interested in it."

Smuggling Techniques:

Kojima employed ingenious methods to bypass customs and wildlife inspectors. By shipping butterflies with their wings folded—a state that conceals their distinctive patterns—he masked their identity among legitimate insect shipments.

Phoebe Judge [03:44]: "How would he smuggle the butterflies through customs?"

Ed Newcomer [03:49]: "He'd ship them with the wings up... rolling the dice that if somebody does even look at this shipment, they're not going to know what they're looking at and they're just going to let it go."

These tactics proved remarkably effective, allowing Kojima to evade detection for years despite numerous attempts to curtail his activities.

The Undercover Operation Begins

In 2003, Ed Newcomer received a tip about Kojima's activities. Recognizing the significance of the case, he embarked on an undercover mission to infiltrate Kojima's network.

Initial Contact:

At a Los Angeles bug fair, Ed orchestrated his first encounter with Kojima under the guise of "Ted Nelson," a fellow insect enthusiast. This meeting was meticulously planned, with Ed’s boss and another agent discreetly observing the interaction.

Ed Newcomer [08:25]: "Was you to get Kojima to look like Yoshi Kojima. Ed spotted Yoshikojima at a table in the exhibition hall."

Building Trust:

Ed adopted a friendly persona, engaging Kojima in conversations about insect collecting and even accepting a gift of butterflies from him.

Yoshi Kojima [10:13]: "He had written his email address on the top of the box."

This gesture marked the beginning of a complex relationship, blending professional investigation with personal interactions.

Developing the Undercover Relationship

Over time, Ed and Kojima communicated regularly through emails and Skype calls, deepening their undercover rapport. However, the relationship began to strain due to misunderstandings and Kojima's perceptions of competition.

Challenges in Communication:

Ed faced logistical hurdles with outdated communication technology, leading to missed connections and frustration from Kojima.

Ed Newcomer [19:06]: "It was hard because this early 2000s, we actually did not have an undercover cell phone to use."

Deteriorating Trust:

Ed’s initiative to set up his own eBay auctions, using Kojima's photos, was perceived by Kojima as a breach of trust, leading to heated exchanges and ultimately, the collapse of their covert partnership.

Ed Newcomer [20:29]: "I thought we were working together, that kind of thing. Nope. He reacted as if I was intentionally competing with him."

The Turning Point: Betrayal and Arrest

Just as the investigation seemed to be nearing a breakthrough, a pivotal moment occurred when other agents accused Ed of being an informant, leading to Kojima severing ties and resuming his smuggling activities independently.

Crucial Evidence:

A game warden alerted Ed to a recorded call where Kojima identified Ed as "Ted Nelson," effectively betraying him to the authorities.

Ed Newcomer [21:08]: "It's like watching a train wreck. I was watching this undercover relationship I had built slowly degrade."

Final Confrontation:

Determined to finalize the case, Ed arranged to meet Kojima at a subsequent bug fair. This time, Ed was prepared, and Kojima's apprehension was evident during their interaction.

Ed Newcomer [26:14]: "And what did it happen?"

During their meeting, Kojima disclosed tactics to evade law enforcement, inadvertently providing the evidence needed to indict him.

Legal Proceedings and Aftermath

Kojima was indicted on 17 counts of illegally selling and smuggling endangered wildlife, facing severe penalties under the Endangered Species Act. His arrest was swift once his plane arrived in Los Angeles, and he was subsequently deported to Japan after serving his sentence.

Ed Newcomer [30:34]: "The next time Kojima said something suggestive to him on a Skype call, Ed replied, not until you come to LA and laughed."

Long-Term Impact:

Kojima's conviction served as a deterrent and highlighted the complexities of undercover operations. Nine years later, a new smuggler, Alexander Bick, emerged, referencing Kojima as his mentor, indicating the lingering influence of Kojima's operations in the smuggling community.

Ed Newcomer [33:01]: "And he says, he was my, you know, he's my mentor."

Conclusion

"The Butterfly Smuggler" illustrates the intricate dance of undercover work, the thin line between trust and deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated individuals like Ed Newcomer. Through detailed storytelling and poignant reflections, Criminal sheds light on the lesser-known facets of wildlife crime, emphasizing the profound impact such cases have on both the law enforcement officers involved and the broader ecosystem.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Newcomer [01:05]: "I came into the service thinking, oh, I'm going to be protecting tiger cubs and you know, we're going to be rescuing elephants and things like that."

• Yoshi Kojima [10:13]: "He had written his email address on the top of the box."

• Ed Newcomer [21:08]: "It's like watching a train wreck. I was watching this undercover relationship I had built slowly degrade."

• Ed Newcomer [26:14]: "And what did it happen?"

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the episode, highlighting the initial motivations, pivotal moments, and the unraveling of the undercover operation.