A large-scale raid by a Dutch police unit on fishing vessels in the port of Vlissingen has resulted in three arrests, so far. Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.
The operation hit five fishing vessels and police estimate between 4000 and 6000kg of unlogged fish were located, including undersized sea bass. The individuals concerned are suspected to have trafficked tens of tonnes of fish per year. Checks on the vehicles of fish traders as part of the operation in Vlissingen also turned up undersized fish, believed to be usually sold covertly to restaurants and fishmongers in Holland and Belgium.
The raid in the early hours of Friday morning follows an investigation by the environment team at the National Criminal Investigation Department, which concluded that volumes of fish were by-passing the regular system of logging and landing catches.
The action in Vlissingen took place as the trawlers had discharged their catches and vessels were searched. This turned up quantities of undersized fish, as well as hidden spaces for storing black fish.
None of the crews have been arrested, but several traders were arrested at their homes.
According to the police unit, the black fish traffickers play a key role in bringing together supply and demand, and further arrests related to this investigation have not been ruled out.
A representative of the environmental team of the National Criminal Investigation Department stated that the suspected criminal offenses are committed by legal companies, which also have a bona fide trade, providing opportunities to hide the trade in black fish behind legitimate trading.
‘Environmental crime is not always visible on the surface and is often intertwined in apparently bona fide companies,’ a reporeentative of the Dutch police said. ‘That’s why it is important that environmental crime is fought hard and thoroughly. The environmental team of the National Criminal Investigation Department focuses on environmental crime with an international focus.’
