200+ Tonnes of Seized Seafood in Saudi Arabia Over Expiry Fraud

In Saudi Arabia, authorities have cracked down on a seafood trading company operated by an illegal worker, uncovering a web of fraudulent activities. The Ministry of Commerce spearheaded the investigation, leading to the arrest of the company owner for violating anti-commercial fraud regulations.

The illegal activities centered around falsifying expiry dates on imported fish and shrimp products. The perpetrator repackaged these items with new dates, misleading consumers into believing they were locally produced. This deceptive practice aimed to boost sales by presenting the products as freshly sourced.

In addition to the owner's arrest, 13 employees of the company faced legal action under the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law and the Anti-Concealment Law. Their involvement in commercial concealment raised suspicions, prompting referral to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.

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Authorities swiftly intervened to prevent further harm to consumers. All seized items, totaling 264 tonnes of seafood, including fish, shrimp, crab sticks, and crabs, were confiscated and destroyed. Moreover, over 800,000 packaging units associated with these products were seized to prevent their circulation in the market.

The Ministry collaborated closely with the Riyadh Region Police, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and the Riyadh Region Municipality in executing the operation. Together, they shuttered the company's headquarters in the Al-Murabba neighborhood and its warehouse in the Al-Sulay neighborhood, both situated in Riyadh.

This decisive action underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and combating fraudulent practices in the marketplace. By dismantling illicit operations and enforcing stringent regulations, authorities aim to uphold integrity and transparency in commercial transactions, ensuring the well-being of all consumers.