By Charlene Macaulay
Victoria Police cracked an alleged seafood trafficking syndicate last week after raids on 12 Brimbank and Melton properties.
The criminal proceeds squad arrested 14 people last Tuesday after executing search warrants at homes in St Albans, Cairnlea, Burnside Heights, Taylors Hill and Delahey.
The warrants follow a year-long investigation with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) into a crime syndicate believed to be involved in trafficking commercial quantities of abalone, rock lobster and other shellfish. According to the DEPI, ‘commercial quantities’ constitute 100, or 10 kilograms of, abalone, and 20 rock lobsters.
DEPI spokesman Ian Parks alleged commercial quantities of the protected species had been taken from areas in south-western Victoria and sold on Melbourne’s black market.
The offence is punishable by up to 10 years’ jail.
“The black market unfairly competes with commercial fisheries,” Mr Parks said. “It also compromises food safety and is a threat to sustainability. It’s a high priority for the department.” Police believe those involved have trafficked abalone valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
Detective Inspector John Piazza said that under the Confiscation Act
police had appropriated homes estimated to be worth
$4.7 million and seized large quantities of cash.
“We have a significant focus in exercising the provisions of the Confiscation Act,” he said.
He said police would continue to exercise all their legal powers.
No charges have yet been laid and investigations are continuing.
