19 tonnes of caviar seized in joint operation at Pecém Port

A joint operation by Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service and environmental regulator Ibama on Tuesday (30) seized 19 tonnes of fish roe at the Port of Pecém, in Ceará state, after inspectors found irregularities in export documents. The shipment was destined for Formosa, Taiwan.

Authorities stated that the exporter failed to prove the legal origin of the fish, presenting inconsistent information that did not align with investigators’ findings. As a result, the cargo was immediately retained and the shipment suspended under environmental and customs law.

The roe belonged to flying fish, used to make tobiko — also known as “golden caviar” on the international market. With high added value, the product can sell for as much as €10.60 per 80-gram package. The entire load is now held by Ibama and the Federal Revenue Service, with no release date set.

The exporting company was fined R$411,700 ($72,000) for environmental violations, a figure that could rise if further irregularities are confirmed. The case may also be referred to federal prosecutors for assessment of potential environmental crimes.

Ibama said the action underscores the importance of strict oversight of natural resource exploitation, particularly in the fishing sector, where marine species are under increasing pressure. The Federal Revenue Service highlighted customs enforcement as a key tool to combat illegal trade and tax evasion.

The Pecém operation is part of stepped-up enforcement efforts across Brazil aimed at curbing illegal practices in the export of animal products. Authorities said they will continue joint actions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and protect Brazil’s natural resources.

Source: GC Mais

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