Authorities in Japan have apprehended three individuals on suspicion of unlawfully exporting approximately 30 tons of wagyu beef to Hong Kong. The suspects are accused of falsifying export documents to misrepresent the destination of the beef.
The individuals arrested include Sun Yongchao, a 53-year-old executive of a trading company based in China; Wang Ennian, a 71-year-old employee at another firm; and his daughter, Hana Kiriyama, aged 45. They are suspected of violating customs laws and animal infectious disease control regulations.
Between August and October 2023, the trio allegedly conspired to export frozen wagyu beef valued at approximately 240 million yen (about $1.6 million). They reportedly declared Cambodia as the shipment’s destination to bypass stringent export procedures required for certain countries. However, the beef was subsequently sent to Hong Kong without obtaining the mandatory health certificates issued by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
According to Fukuoka Prefectural Police, exports of wagyu beef to Hong Kong necessitate specific sanitary inspections at facilities designated by the ministry. These measures are in place to prevent the spread of animal diseases. In contrast, exports to Cambodia do not require such procedures, which the suspects allegedly exploited to facilitate their operations.
Investigators believe the suspects aimed to reduce export costs amid growing international demand for wagyu beef. By circumventing the required health inspections and falsifying export documents, they could have avoided additional expenses associated with compliance.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal export of premium Japanese agricultural products. Authorities are intensifying efforts to enforce export regulations and protect the integrity of the country’s food safety standards.
The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects may face significant legal consequences if found guilty of the alleged offenses.
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