A Chinese national has been sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit a luxury vehicle worth $73,000 after being caught running an illegal hunting operation in Alaska.
Jun “Harry” Liang, 41, was found guilty of providing guide-outfitter services for big game hunts without the proper licenses.
His scheme, which ran for over a year, involved hunting trips for caribou and brown bears. His co-conspirator, 53-year-old Brian Phelan from Fairbanks, was also involved in the illegal operation.
The case was brought to light by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, which revealed that Liang and Phelan had been providing guide services for hunters without the required licenses.
In Alaska, it is mandatory to have a license to operate as a big game guide, especially for hunts involving dangerous animals like brown bears.
The illegal operation took place during the 2022 hunting season. Liang was caught accepting a $60,000 payment in advance from two undercover agents.
These agents, posing as non-resident hunters, had contacted Liang for a brown bear hunt. The funds were transferred to Liang’s account through wire transfers and checks, solidifying the connection between the suspect and the illegal hunting operation.
In a further twist, Liang and Phelan attempted to deceive the Alaska Department of Fish and Game by falsely claiming that Phelan was related to the agents.
This led to the issuance of a non-resident brown bear permit, based on false information.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game was tricked into providing permits under fraudulent circumstances.
As part of his sentence, Liang was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 and more than $9,000 in restitution.
This restitution is meant to compensate the Bureau of Land Management for allowing illegal guiding activities on federal land.
The illegal hunting activities were especially concerning because they took place on protected lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Meanwhile, Phelan, who also played a role in the scheme, was sentenced on December 30, 2024.
He received two and a half years of probation and was fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to charges related to the misuse of Bureau of Land Management land.
Phelan’s sentence was handed down after he admitted his involvement in violating the regulations set to manage and protect federal lands.
This case highlights the importance of respecting wildlife regulations and the licensing system in Alaska.
The state’s wilderness is home to some of the most popular hunting opportunities in the U.S., and maintaining legal, regulated hunting practices is crucial to preserving these natural resources.
The sentences handed down to Liang and Phelan send a clear message that illegal hunting and fraudulent activities will not be tolerated.
Both men are now facing the consequences of their actions, and their case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of compliance with state and federal hunting laws.
As authorities continue to crack down on illegal wildlife activities, more individuals involved in such schemes will likely face similar legal challenges in the future.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
