A Chinese national has been sentenced to two years of supervised release in connection with an illegal guide-outfitter scheme in Alaska. Jun “Harry” Liang, 41, was ordered to forfeit over $73,000 and a luxury vehicle as part of the sentencing.
Court documents reveal that Liang, along with co-conspirator Brian Phelan, 53, from Fairbanks, operated unlicensed guide-outfitter services for caribou and brown bear hunts starting in August 2021. During the 2022 hunting season, Liang received $60,000 from undercover agents posing as hunters for services related to a brown bear hunt. The funds were transferred through wire transfers and checks.
Liang and Phelan misled the Alaska Department of Fish and Game by claiming Phelan was related to the undercover agents, which resulted in obtaining a non-resident brown bear permit under false pretenses.
On September 20, 2024, Liang pleaded guilty to charges including Lacey Act false labeling and conducting business without permits in Denali National Park. He was fined $10,000 for the Lacey Act violation and must pay over $9,000 in restitution to the Bureau of Land Management for guiding without a license on federal land.
Phelan received a sentence of two and a half years’ probation on December 30, 2024. He was fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to violating regulations concerning BLM land management and Lacey Act false labeling.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker emphasized the impact of such illegal activities on Alaskan communities: “Hunting is a vital part of Alaskan communities, and Mr. Liang and Mr. Phelan unjustly enriched themselves through their conspiracy.” Tucker expressed gratitude towards law enforcement partners for dismantling the illegal operations.
Assistant Director Edward Grace from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlighted their commitment to conservation laws: “This sentencing emphasizes our unwavering commitment to safeguarding wildlife.” Grace noted that illegal hunting activities threaten natural resources and undermine trust within hunting communities.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Alaska Region, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS Criminal Investigation Service’s Seattle Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Vosacek and Steve Skrocki led the prosecution.
