The Justice Department said the stolen eels were slaughtered and processed for shipping to the U.S. for sale as sushi.
NEW YORK — The federal government has indicted a seafood distributor and eight of its employees and associates on charges of smuggling valuable eels., is the biggest importer and wholesale distributor of eel meat in the country. The Justice Department said on April 29 that the defendants in the case conspired to unlawfully smuggle large numbers of baby European eels out of Europe to a factory in China.
The department said the eels were reared to maturity, slaughtered and processed for shipping to the U.S. for sale as sushi. The defendants in the case are charged with violating the Lacey Act, which bans illegal trafficking in wildlife, and conspiracy to violate the Endangered Species Act, the department said.
American Eel Depot did not immediately return a call seeking comment Tuesday. The eight employees and associates are located in New York City, China and Hong Kong. Baby eels are among the most lucrative fish species in the seafood world. The U.S. fishery for American eels is based almost entirely in Maine. The baby eels are often worth more than $2,000 per pound at the docks.Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
US Fed makes biggest rate hike in over two decades to tame record inflationAfter a quarter-point increase in March, the US central bank's policy-setting committee pushed the rate above 0.75 percent and said more increases 'will be appropriate.'
Weiterlesen »
High beef prices could drive more consumers to chicken“As U.S. consumers notice their dollar does not go as far as it used to, they may ‘trade down’ in their protein purchases, favoring chicken more often.'
Weiterlesen »
Baby formula shortage: 40% of major brands sold out across the U.S., analysts sayIn 26 states, 40-50% of major formula brands were sold out last week.
Weiterlesen »
Baby formula shortage: 40% of major brands sold out across the U.S., analysts sayIn 26 states, 40-50% of major formula brands were sold out last week.
Weiterlesen »
Anti-abortion protest leaders warn: Roe v. Wade still standsIt's too soon to know what the U.S. Supreme Court will say on abortion, they say.
Weiterlesen »