OLAF has given notice that a statement given to the Norwegian press on a possible investigation into Russian fish imports was a misquoted. Image: NRK
The European Union’s anti-fraud body, OLAF, has issued a statement clarifying its position following a report by the Norwegian fishing news outlet, Fiskeribladet, published on 01 July 2024.
OLAF emphasised that the article misquoted its replies and inaccurately suggested that OLAF is opening an investigation into potential fraud involving the origin of Russian fish imports into the EU.
In its denial, OLAF stated, “We would like to clarify that the article published by Fiskeribladet on 1 July has misquoted the replies provided by OLAF. The article is not factually accurate, particularly the statement that OLAF is opening an investigation. This does not reflect OLAF’s official position.”
Context of the Misquoted Article
The original Fiskeribladet article reported that Zuzana Harvanova, spokesperson for OLAF, announced an investigation into the matter, quoting her as saying, “Russian fish cannot be imported duty-free into the EU, and our task will be to investigate possible fraud with product origin.” This statement was presented as a clear indication of OLAF’s intent to probe the issue amid concerns about the transportation routes and regulatory compliance related to Russian fish entering EU markets.
However, OLAF’s press officer provided a more nuanced explanation to The Fishing Daily, highlighting their general responsibilities without confirming any specific investigation. “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,” the press officer stated. They added that OLAF generally cannot comment on specific cases to protect the confidentiality of ongoing investigations and potential judicial proceedings.
New Transit Path for Russian Fish
The controversy arises amidst reports from Norwegian news outlet NRK about the Bergen-based shipping company Silver Sea transporting Russian fish from Svalbard to the Netherlands, bypassing restrictions on Russian vessels. This situation has led to concerns about possible 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, stated 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.