An organized olive theft network was dismantled on Monday by ASAE, which seized twelve tons of “vegetable gold” in Ferreira do Alentejo.
Two stockists, who bought by the kilo 40 cents to sell it for one euro, defendants were recorded. Dozens of people were identified for theft.
The price of olive oil continues to rise due to the scarcity of olives and criminal networks are taking advantage of the strong demand to profit.
According to information collected by JN, olive thefts have been multiplying in all regions of Alentejo, leading ASAE of Évora to investigate the phenomenon, which revolts and causes losses to producers.
Whether day or night, criminals enter large properties, what, general rule, they have no gates, to reach the olive trees. Before, monitor owners and employees to choose areas where they are not present and to raise the alarm to accomplices. After, load the olives in light vehicles, to take the so-called “vegetable gold” to recipients.
On Monday, ASAE inspectors from Évora went to a warehouse in Ferreira do Alentejo, where they seized 12 tons of olives.
These receivers are suspected of reselling the product at double the purchase price, but they are also suspected of producing olive oil outside of legality. The investigation continues.
6 October: ASAE seizes more than 400 Liters of cooking oil to be marketed as extra virgin olive oil.
The Food and Economic Safety Authority, following an investigation into combating fraud in the olive oil sector, realized, through the Évora Operational Unit, in Beja area, an inspection action targeting an economic operator in which a crime was detected, the marketing of cooking oil as extra virgin olive oil. The action resulted in the initiation of a criminal case, for fraud on goods with the seizure of 415 liters of cooking oil, evaluated 1.450,00 Euros. The campaign is still in its infancy and olive oil market prices are at high levels, ASAE will continue to carry out investigations throughout the national territory, in the fight against counterfeiting and fraud in virgin olive oil, thus safeguarding, the genuineness of the product and consumer rights.
News: Lidador Notícias/ Jornal de Notícias
