Illegal Tuna Fishing Operation Uncovered in Marbella
An illicit bluefin tuna fishing operation has been exposed, revealing a scheme that involved fishing during the day and unloading the catch at night to avoid detection. The illegally caught tuna was then allegedly passed on to a wholesaler before ending up in restaurants and beach bars in Marbella.
Guardia Civil Dismantles Poaching Group
After months of surveillance, the Guardia Civil’s specialist nature and environment protection unit, Seprona, has successfully dismantled the group. Eight individuals are currently under investigation, including three National Police officers stationed in Marbella, who are suspected of being the ones fishing for tuna during the closed season.
Police Officers at the Helm of the Operation
Investigations by Seprona place these officers at the top of the criminal group’s hierarchy, with the brother of one of the officers and a trainee officer from the same police force just below them. It is believed that the operation has been running for at least three years, making it difficult to estimate the total number of fish caught and sold during this period.
Operation Galete Uncovers 16 Poached Tuna
During the specific period of the investigation, dubbed Operation Galete, 16 bluefin tuna were found to have been poached, with their weights ranging from 70 to over 200 kilos each. According to Seprona, the individuals involved operated in waters near Malaga city, introducing the illegally caught tuna into the market with fraudulent documentation.
Illegal Tuna Sold to Marbella Restaurants
The tuna was sold via a wholesale fish and frozen fish company in Malaga and directly to various restaurants in Marbella. Local fishing boat crews and other professionals from the fishing sector informed the Guardia Civil about the continuous poaching activities, which are expressly prohibited outside the permitted season.
Health Risks Associated with Illegally Caught Tuna
The Guardia Civil warns that consuming these illegally caught fish poses a health risk as they lack any form of sanitary control. The investigation also revealed poor sanitary conditions of the vehicles used for transport and some of the tuna. Health authorities have certified a “serious and imminent risk to public health” due to the potential for serious food poisoning.
Restaurants Aware of Illegal Tuna Origin
The restaurants and beach bars that purchased the tuna were allegedly aware of its illegal origin but chose to exploit the opportunity for financial gain. They ‘laundered’ these specimens by falsifying information about their origin, resulting in significant economic benefits.
Seizure of Boats and Fishing Equipment
As part of Operation Galete, two recreational boats allegedly used by the group for fishing have been seized. Also confiscated were two vehicles, five professional rods with their respective specific reels for catching tuna, two probes, two bait boats, bait, hooks, and fishing line, among other tools. These have been placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities.
