A shop owner who built up a collection of endangered species including a crocodile head has been fined £4,000.
Items including a babirusa skull, rostrum of a knifetooth sawfish and head of a crocodile, known as False Gharial, were seized from the Kokon to Zai shop in Golborne Road, North Kensington.
A spur-thighed tortoise shell was also found, after a police officer visited the shop.
The items were examined and identified as protected under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora.
Sasko Bezovski, of Warwick Avenue, from Westminster , pleaded guilty to purchasing, offering to purchase, selling or keeping specimens of endangered species.
The 47-year-old failed provide required evidence showing the items were made prior to March 3, 1947.
He was charged in March this year before his conviction at Hammersmith and Fulham Magistrates Court on Wednesday (April 19).
In addition to his £4,000 fine, he must now pay £85 court costs and a £170 Government supercharge.
Detective Constable Christopher Jones, of the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit, said: "The trade of endangered species is subject to strict regulations and it is the responsibility of the seller to make sure they are aware of this legislation and have the correct documentation.
"I am extremely grateful to our National Wildlife Crime colleagues who assisted with the investigation."
Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.
You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.
Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!
