256 people arrested for smuggling and illegally farming glass eels in Europe

Published 2023년 7월 12일

Tridge summary

Europol, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from around the world, has carried out Operation LAKE, resulting in the arrest of 256 individuals involved in the illegal sale of 25 tonnes of live glass eels worth approximately €13 million. The operation aimed to crack down on the trade of protected European glass eels, which have seen a 90% population decline in recent years. The illegal eel trade is a significant global environmental crime, with estimated profits reaching €3 billion in peak years.

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Original content

A joint operation coordinated by Europol and involving law enforcement agencies from around the world led to the arrest of 256 people responsible for the sale of 25 tonnes of live glass eels worth around €13 million. Record-breaking LAKE operation According to Europol, the European eel population has decreased by 90% in recent years. Operation LAKE aims to trade the protected European glass eel, i.e. the juveniles of the European eel. This edition of Operation LAKE lasted from October 2022 to June 2023. The number of arrests and seizures increased by more than 50% and set a new record - 256 people responsible for the sale of 25 tonnes of live glass eels, worth approximately €13 million, were arrested. Among those arrested were citizens of China, Malaysia, France, Spain and Portugal. In addition, the authorities seized assets worth more than €1 million and bank accounts containing more than €2 million. The glass eel trade is one of the most significant and lucrative illegal trades ...

Source: Foodfakty