Vancouver Criminal Managed To Change His Fingerprints Through Years Of Handling Shellfish

For all you true crime fans out there, we may have unlocked the perfect story for you. While this may seem like the most bizarre story ever, it’s true. A Vancouver criminal's fingerprints were altered by shellfish after years of handling the seafood. While this cook may have unintentionally changed his fingerprints, some serious mobsters in the past have tried doing the same. 

According to CBC News, a Vancouver cook was caught by U.S. authorities guiding three Chinese women across the B.C. border back in January of this year. 

While two border agents were patrolling on foot about two kilometres west of the border crossing in Lynden, Washington, on January 28, 2020, they saw a silver minivan driving slowly along the Canadian side of the border. 

The vehicle then stopped and let out four people who began walking in a single file into the U.S. 

After about 30 minutes of watching the group move quietly, the patrol officers moved in and the four individuals stopped and put their hands on their heads and got on the ground. 

Two of the women did not say anything while a third told investigators that they were Chinese nationals who flew from China to Vancouver and were staying in a hotel before being taken to the border to meet Ying Hao Li.

The 48-year-old admitted to accepting cash to smuggle the women into the U.S. claiming he was employed to do so after losing $1,000 at a casino. His employer who offered to help him was allegedly named "John." 

While Li was undeniably the culprit, he was unrecognizable to the police. But not because he changed his appearance. 

The man was able to totally alter his fingerprints, leaving him untraceable and it was all thanks to shellfish. 

Li had his previous prints on record by the U.S. Border Patrol officers for drug trafficking. Despite being in the system, his criminal record did not show. 

The detention order filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle was obtained by CBC News. It states that his fingerprints were changed due to repeatedly eating and handling shellfish. 

Li pleaded guilty last week to one count of bringing in a foreigner for private financial gain. 

He is expected to be sentenced in June but CBC News has stated that U.S. court documents indicate that prosecutors have agreed upon a sentence of five months and one week as part of a plea agreement. 

Around 16 years ago, Li faced a mandatory sentence of five years. 

He had allegedly planned on beginning a new job in Vancouver at a seafood restaurant in February. 

While this may seem like an odd way to almost get away with a crime, people have been trying to get rid of their fingerprints for years. 

According to The Mob Museum, there is a history of criminals mutilating their fingertips to try and evade capture that includes cutting and burning the tips. 

The Vancouver Police website states fingerprints are provided for criminal records, immigration, citizenship, visas, legal name changes, and foreign travelling. 

Fingerprints may also be issued for certain jobs, including working with kids.