The EU anti-fraud body, OLAF, has announced to the Norwegian press that it will be investigating the imports of Russian fish via Norway. Image: NRK
The European Union’s anti-fraud body, OLAF, has announced its intention to investigate potential fraud involving the origin of Russian fish imports into the EU.
Zuzana Harvanova, spokesperson for OLAF, stated in an email to Norwegian fishing news outlet, Fiskeribladet, “Russian fish cannot be imported duty-free into the EU, and our task will be to investigate possible fraud with product origin.”
This development comes amid concerns about the transportation routes and regulatory compliance related to Russian fish entering EU markets.
OLAF’s Stance and Responsibilities
Despite Harvanova’s clear statement of intent, OLAF’s press officer provided a more nuanced explanation to The Fishing Daily, stating, “One of the main responsibilities of OLAF in the area of customs and trade is to gather intelligence about and investigate undervaluation, antidumping, and origin fraud, which damage the EU budget and its economy, and other case matters, which threaten public health and safety and the environment.” However, they added that OLAF, as a general rule, cannot comment on whether it is handling a specific case to protect the confidentiality of any ongoing investigations and potential judicial proceedings.
New Transit Path for Russian Fish
The investigation follows a report by Norwegian news outlet NRK, which revealed that the Bergen-based shipping company Silver Sea has been transporting Russian fish from Svalbard to the Netherlands, bypassing restrictions on Russian vessels. This move has sparked concerns about the potential for origin fraud and the circumvention of EU import duties.
Background and Operational Details
In mid-May, the Netherlands closed the port of Eemshaven to Russian ships over fears of espionage. Eemshaven had been a key entry point for Russian fish into Europe. With this route closed, Silver Sea stepped in to transport the fish under the Norwegian flag. The company’s operations have seen significant financial growth, with revenues rising from NOK 557 million (€49 million/£42 million) in 2021 to NOK 883 million (€78 million/£67 million) in 2022, and profits doubling in the same period.
Tormod Bo Fossmark, CEO of Silver Sea, emphasised that their activities comply with Norwegian regulations, noting, “Norwegian authorities have not imposed restrictions on trade with Russian fish, and we adhere to existing regulations.” He highlighted that fish and food items are exempt from sanctions and that Norwegian ships are permitted access to Dutch ports for fish deliveries.
Shipping Operations and Compliance
The Silver Sea vessel, Silver Copenhagen, collected 2,235 tonnes of Russian fish from Svalbard and transported it to the Netherlands, arriving on June 6. The vessel, registered under the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), has a cargo capacity of 3,500 tonnes. Norwegian and Dutch authorities were reportedly informed about these operations, according to Fossmark.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
The transportation of Russian fish has ignited a debate over the ethical and legal implications. Norwegian parliamentarian Alfred Bjørlo has raised questions about whether the government will address the loophole that allows Russian economic activities to continue indirectly through such arrangements.
Conclusion
The EU’s investigation into potential fraud involving the origin of Russian fish imports highlights the complex interplay between international regulations, economic interests, and ethical considerations. Silver Sea’s operations exemplify the shipping industry’s adaptability in navigating geopolitical challenges, but also bring to the fore significant regulatory and security concerns that demand careful scrutiny.