On May 13, 2024, Lorenzo Prendini, a curator affiliated with the American Museum of Natural History, was detained at Istanbul Airport while allegedly attempting to smuggle about 1,500 samples of spiders and scorpions out of Turkey. Turkish media revealed that authorities discovered the specimens packed in hand luggage within plastic bottles and clip-on bags. Prendini, who is recognized for his research in the arachnid orders of various spider and scorpion species, has not commented on the allegations. His work has previously taken him to over 30 countries. The museum has been approached for a statement regarding this incident.
American Museum Curator Detained in Istanbul Airport for Alleged Smuggling of Spiders and Scorpions
Lorenzo Prendini, a renowned curator at the American Museum of Natural History, was apprehended at Istanbul Airport for reportedly trying to smuggle 1,500 spider and scorpion samples out of Turkey. The specimens were found stashed in plastic bottles and clip-on bags in his hand luggage. Prendini's silence on the accusations contrasts with his extensive research on arachnids across the globe, with work in over 30 countries.