One of the largest illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing networks begins in Europe, with the European eel. Considered to be the most sophisticated environmental crime, the industry boasts $2.5 billion in annual revenues, with 25% of European eels being smuggled into Asia every year. Supported by the world’s biggest criminal networks, this black market may make the European eel extinct in a decade.
Although sales of European eel are illegal outside of the EU, the fish are “laundered” via third-countries. Until now, there is scant reporting on how criminal networks work and what happens once the eels leave Europe. This transnational investigation used a systemic, data-driven approach and confidential sources to shed light on the smuggling route.
On the right: Image by Toru Hanai.
