The discovery in Italy of six tons of tuna coming from Mauritius with a high level of histamine comes at the wrong time; and for two main reasons. First, because Mauritius, together with the other African-Caribbean-Pacific countries, is lobbying for new terms on the sugar preferential agreements. Then, the country has launched the Indian Ocean regional sea food hub project.
It goes without saying that such illegal transactions can harm the country's reputation with the European Union (EU). Minister of Foreign affairs and International trade, Jayen Cuttaree, is sending a letter to the EU to explain the government's position and guarantee that this is only an isolated incident.
The police investigation has in the meantime made a lot of progress. Three persons were arrested last week and charged with conspiracy and forgery: Wang Min Yung, manager of Fish Processors Ltd (FPL) and shareholder of Hung Ming Shipping, Jimmy Ken Li Hee, IT coordinator for Fook Sen Ltd and Low Kwet Chun, driver of FPL. Interpol is searching for Wang Min Yeung's son, Walter or Christian, who lives in Italy. His wife Marie France was arrested yesterday. They have all been released on bail.
Inadequate freezing standards
They are provisionally accused of having forged veterinary certificates to export six tons of tuna illegally to Italy. The conspiracy was unveiled when the local EU delegate sent a fax to the principal veterinary officer stating that a cargo of fish had proved toxic due to inadequate freezing standards.
FPL exports fish, which they buy from Hung Ming Marketing. The police have discovered stickers from Seskel Enterprises Ltd. They believe the alleged criminals wanted to involve Seskel in the fraudulent transaction while the latter has apparently nothing to do with it.
Fortunately, Frank Viault, the EU delegate in Port Louis, has reassured both authorities and exporters. “I don't think this problem will have a negative impact on Mauritian tuna exports to Europe. This is only a small stock (... ) On the other hand, the fake export certificates could be a bad sign at a time when the government and the private sector intend to set up the sea food hub.†Nicolas Lamusse, who should soon head Thon des Mascareignes Ltée, is of the same opinion. But he's happy and relieved to see that the authorities are preparing to take action in this matter.