Chilean authorities have jailed the ringleaders of a criminal organization in the Los Lagos region that had been stealing salmonid products unfit for human consumption and then selling them in legitimate markets locally.
Four of the 33 suspects charged in the case were identified as the leaders of the theft ring and were held in custody while awaiting trial. The money laundering conspiracy that they were charged with – in addition to other charges – made “preventive detention” necessary, reported the local media.
The rest of the suspects were put under house arrest because they were charged only for violating article 315 of the Penal Code pertaining to endangerment of public health.
The investigation involving 150 detectives was one of the largest operation seen in the salmon farming hub in recent years, according to local media.
