According to information published on its official website, the prosecutor’s office noted that the export of glass eels from Portugal to China was conducted by the accused using checked luggage.
In China, the glass eels were sold by the kilogram for an average price of 6,500 euros, it emphasized.
The criminal activity is believed to have taken place between March 2022 and February 2023.
The prosecutor’s office outlined that the accused divided tasks among themselves. One individual led the organization and controlled the activities from acquisition to export. Another assisted this leader, while five others focused on capturing or buying from fishermen, as well as storing and selling the glass eels to the accused valued at 300 to 400 euros per kilogram. A further five were responsible for storing or transporting the glass eels over land, and the final seven were hired by the others to ensure transportation to China. These individuals traveled to Portugal for short stays, receiving payment for each consignment.
The group is accused of having commercialized more than 505 kilograms of glass eels.
Additionally, the prosecution seized 26,000 euros and tools used for storage, capture, and transportation of the glass eels.
Of the 19 accused, 12 are Chinese residents in Guimarães, Braga, Setúbal, and Spain. Three are Portuguese from Ovar and Vila Nova de Gaia, while the remaining four are of other nationalities; two reside in Spain and the others in France.
One of the accused is in preventive detention, the harshest coercive measure, while three others were subjected to liberty-restricting measures by the decision of the Porto Court of Appeal, which have not been implemented due to their unknown whereabouts, highlighted the PGR-P.
The accused face charges of crimes against nature, qualified circulation smuggling, qualified smuggling, criminal association, and money laundering.
