A man who boasted he was ‘rich enough’ is facing charges of attacking seals
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A businessman caught on viral video saying he was “rich enough” to avoid the consequences of allegedly attacking Hawaii’s beloved marine life may have to prove it after being slapped with two counts stemming from the incident.
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, is accused of throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal – one of the world’s rarest mammals – on May 5 in an incident caught on camera by locals.
Business records show that Lytvynchuk, who bragged about his wealth in the face of angry passers-by, owns a trucking and transportation company based in Kent, Washington.
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, faces two counts of allegedly throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on May 5, 2026. (Department of Justice)
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“What are you doing? You were going to throw a rock? Hello?” a woman can be heard screaming in the video as the man, wearing a white shirt and swimming trunks, holds a rock to the seal’s head on the Maui beach.
The Hawaiian monk seal in the video is called “Lani” by loving locals, according to a Justice Department release announcing the charges. There are only about 1,600 Hawaiian monk seals in the wild.
Lytvynchuk was charged with cruelty and attempted cruelty to an endangered species in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Wildlife Protection Act, according to the DOJ. He was arrested near Seattle on Wednesday.
A Hawaiian monk seal rests on a rocky shore on Lehua Island near Niihau, Hawaii. The species, Neomonachus schauinslandi, is endangered. (Andre Seale/VW PICS/Universal Images Group)
He could face up to a year in prison on both the torture and attempted torture charges, as well as a $50,000 fine under the Endangered Species Act and a fine of up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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“The stone pushed him by the nose, scared him, and made him wake up in the water,” said the source. “According to witnesses, Lani remained motionless for a long time after the incident, which caused great concern for her well-being.”
When questioned by witnesses, Lytvynchuk dismissed their concerns, noting that he was “rich enough to pay the fine” if he ever got into trouble.
Two Hawaiian monks swim in the surf at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii. (Auscape Group/Universal Images)
“The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are famous symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its amazing biodiversity. We are committed to protecting endangered wildlife, especially the endangered Hawaiian monk seals, like Lani,” said US Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We promise that those who abuse and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face swift accountability in federal court.”
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This video caused a fire on social media, users quickly identified the suspect, which led to his arrest.
After his arrest, users celebrated.
“Karma doesn’t care how rich you are,” said user X.
“Let’s hope that justice is served in the court and this scam will receive a significant sentence,” said another.
It is unclear whether Lytvynchuk has a lawyer.
