The Civil Guard has arrested four members of the same family, aged between 28 and 64, accused of food fraud, within the framework of an operation between police forces and international organizations called ‘Matsu’. The investigation revealed the irregular marketing of 120,000 cans of canned tuna and 45,000 liters of oil from a company located in La Rioja to establishments in Spain and Italy.
The company, whose identity has not been revealed, has its headquarters in La Rioja Baja and is dedicated to the production and marketing of food products, mainly canned vegetables and fish, with both national and international distribution, especially in Italy.
The investigation began last August after an initial complaint. As a result, various irregularities were revealed in the company, including the marketing of canned tuna at prices considerably lower than those of the competition.
In addition, 40 intervened products were analyzed and the results revealed that 33 of the samples were labeled as olive oil when, in reality, they contained sunflower or pomace oil. Likewise, it was also reported that the quality of the tuna was lower than what was described on the product label.
Operation Matsu also uncovered that the relabeling and return of canned tuna was carried out in unsanitary conditions that negatively affected public health and the final consumer. During the searches, a clandestine work area lacking hygiene measures was found, where jars of tuna returned by buyers were relabeled. It was also detected that the introduction of water from the container into some manipulated jars, with lids that had rust marks.
The investigators of this operation point out that this activity has been going on for several years, and this fraudulent method would have allowed the company responsible for the events to reduce production costs and increase its profits.
Within the framework of ‘Matsu’, 21 company bank accounts were blocked, and the sale of two high-end passenger cars, a van and a refrigerated truck owned by the company was prohibited. The four detainees, accused of belonging to a criminal organization, against public health and fraud, have been released pending their appearance in court. The investigation is in charge of Court No. 2 of Calahorra, La Rioja.
