Ecuadorian shrimp farmers battling surge in organized crime
Ecuadorian shrimp farmers battling surge in organized crime
Extortion gangs targeting shrimp producers for the return of stolen shrimp, feed, boats and engines.
27 January 2020 18:13 GMT UPDATED 27 January 2020 18:30 GMT
By John Evans
Ecuador's shrimp producers are stepping up calls for authorities to protect them from a spike in organized crime that cost around $60 million (€54.4 million) in 2019 alone.
Producers reported more than 150 criminal actions against their property in 2019, including assault, robbery of shrimp, feed, supplies, equipment, boats and their engines.
Producers that can afford it are forking out for private security contracting, including the purchase of surveillance systems and infrared technology, but it has not been enough to thwart determined criminals or prevent them from becoming victims of criminal gangs involved in extortion.
Most worrying, Ecuadorian shrimp industry officials say, is a lack of response from the Ministries of Defense and Interior to provide sufficient security.
More:
https://www.intrafish.com/shrimp/ecuadorian-shrimp-farmers-battling-surge-in-organized-crime/2-1-745091
