Video: Criminal Investigation Thwarts Arrival of 894 Boxes of Fish with Fake Dates to Restaurants and Markets

Ahmad Khamis: Officers of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Counter-Counterfeiting and Forgery Crimes Department, foiled an attempt to smuggle large quantities of imported fish into the local market after tampering with their expiration dates. They arrested 27 suspects and seized 894 boxes of fish stored in 16 refrigerated transport vehicles.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the operation followed intelligence and investigations revealing that the suspects altered the production and expiration dates printed on the boxes of imported fish by printing labels with incorrect dates, aiming to extend their shelf life and sell them to restaurants, companies, and retail stores.

It added that the operation was part of ongoing security efforts to combat commercial fraud and protect consumers. Specialized units obtained a warrant from the Public Prosecution, proceeded to the Central Fish Market, and arrested the suspects, seizing the vehicles, the fish, and a computer used to prepare and print the counterfeit labels.

Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to altering the expiration dates contrary to the truth, with the assistance of a printing company. Subsequent visits to the offices of two other companies linked to the case revealed that they were merely registered addresses with no actual commercial activity.