Norway: more than thirty arrests in major fisheries investigation
Økokrim is investigating a suspected network allegedly falsifying catch records. VG and Aftenposten report that twenty companies are suspects and more than thirty people have been arrested. Seven have been remanded in custody for four weeks.
The allegations concern incorrect information on documents recording landed whitefish. Chief prosecutor Elisabeth Harbo-Lervik said several parties were suspected of cooperating. These records are important for monitoring fishing quotas.
Assets in the hundred-million Norwegian kroner range were secured during the nationwide operation, the outlets reported from the 29 October press conference. Investigators are taking statements and examining seized material. Kripos, the coastguard and the fisheries directorate also assisted.
That evening, Myre Fiskemottak said through law firm Elden that it disputed deliberate misreporting and did not admit guilt. The company said it was cooperating fully and that fish processing and deliveries were continuing.
