Summary of recent counter-trafficking news – updated 15/05/2023
European trafficking ring dismantled
-
Joint operation by the Spanish Civil Guard, French National Gendarmerie, and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) dismantles transnational eel trafficking ring.
-
Seizures made during the operation include 1.5 tons of live elvers, assets worth €900,000, and cash amounting to €200,000.
-
Total of 27 people arrested during the operation on May 10, 20 people placed in police custody the following days, and ten people prosecuted after 30 simultaneous searches conducted in Spain, France, Belgium, and Poland.
-
Investigations into the eel trafficking ring were initiated in 2021 by SEPRONA, French Customs, OCLAESP, Europol and OLAF.
-
Investigations ongoing
Nova-Scotia glass eel fishery closure
-
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) close elver fishery after outbreaks of poaching and violence April 14th 2023
-
Officers in Halifax seize 113kg live elvers, $15,792 cash and 2 vehicles after poaching continues