Hard blow to shark fin smuggling: record seizure of 13 tons in Hong Kong

Coronavirus does not stop smuggling of shark fins, but comes a serious blow: maxi seizure of 13 tons in Hong Kong

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Coronavirus Doesn't Stop Shark Fin Smuggling, But Comes A Big Hit: maxi seizure of 13 tons in Hong Kong. This was announced by the customs of the small Asian country where this practice is particularly widespread.

Shark fins are in great demand on the Asian market for the preparation of "shark fin soup" and therefore the absurd practice of capturing these animals, depriving them of their fins and then throwing them back into the sea, compromising their survival, is widespread.

Several shark species are at risk of extinction, but this does not stop their capture and torture for the sole purpose of making a profit. According to the WWF, around 100 million individuals could be killed each year, often targeted for their fins.

Shocking images of illegal shark fins discovered on a flight to Hong Kong

But now comes the wonderful news: the Hong Kong customs has detected two cases of smuggling of shark fins, one on April 28 and the other on May 4: this is why the seizure procedure was immediately activated, which led to subtract about 13 tons of material with an estimated market value of almost 8 million euros. It is the biggest blow to the illegal shark fin trade ever.

Shark fin stealing has been strictly prohibited in Europe since 2012, but even in Hong Kong, anyone found guilty of importing or exporting endangered species without a license faces fines of up to € 9 million. and imprisonment for up to 10 years, and a dedicated number 24 hours a day and the crimereport@customs.gov.hk mailbox are active in the country for reporting crimes of this type.

Shark finning: the European Parliament forever bans the terrible practice of cutting shark fins

In this case, the names of the possible smugglers have already leaked, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Sources of reference: Hong Kong Customs

Read also:

• Pangolin scales, record seizure of 14 tons destined for the Asian market
• Food scandal in China: frozen meat since 1970 ready for sale