Igor Lytvynchuk arrested and federally charged in viral Hawaiian monk seal case

Federal prosecutors say the Washington man could face prison time and major fines over the Maui seal case

A Washington man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal in a viral Maui incident has now been arrested and formally charged in federal court, with prosecutors warning he could face prison time and major financial penalties if convicted.

The US Department of Justice announced that 38-year-old Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk was charged on May 13 through a federal criminal complaint alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Authorities said Lytvynchuk was arrested the same day near Seattle by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) special agents. He is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in Washington state following the arrest.

Federal prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk harassed and attempted to harm a protected Hawaiian monk seal during a May 5 incident in Lahaina, Hawaii, where he was allegedly filmed throwing a large rock toward the animal’s head. The footage later spread widely online and triggered public backlash.

The federal charges carry serious potential consequences. According to the Department of Justice, Lytvynchuk could face up to one year in prison for each charge if convicted. Prosecutors also said he may face fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, in addition to possible supervised release.

Officials said the case highlights federal efforts to protect endangered wildlife, particularly Hawaiian monk seals, which are among the rarest marine mammals in the world.