Two presidents of an intermediate wholesaler in Oma Town, Aomori Prefecture, were arrested on suspicion of violating the Fisheries Act for failing to report part of their bluefin tuna catches to the prefecture. Interviews with investigative officials revealed that the documents had been forwarded.
The police believe that nearly 20 other fishermen may be involved, and are determined to clarify the actual situation.
Suspect Tadaaki Nitta, 47, president of an intermediate wholesaler in Oma, Aomori Prefecture, of Uochu, and Suspect Hajime Sasaki, 61, of Saihoku Suisan fished bluefin tuna from July to September two years ago. He was arrested on suspicion of violating the Fisheries Act for not reporting part of the catch to the prefecture, and was sent to the public prosecutor's office on the 8th.
The police proceeded with the investigation by asking about the situation from the two presidents, but on the 8th, several fishermen were sent to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the same fishing law, as suspicion of collusion with the two became stronger. This is what I learned from interviews with investigators.
Police believe that nearly 100 tons of unreported bluefin tuna may be involved, and nearly 20 other fishermen may be involved, so they are trying to clarify the actual situation.