Illegal Clam Trade Busted in Iberia

In a significant crackdown on illegal fisheries, Spanish and Portuguese law enforcement, supported by Europol, have arrested 11 individuals involved in the illicit trade of contaminated clams. The operation led to the seizure of over seven tonnes of Japanese clams, deemed unfit for human consumption. The suspects allegedly generated profits of over EUR 1.6 million this year alone.

The illegal activity centered around the border region between Portugal and Spain, where the ‘Manila or Japanese clam’ is illicitly harvested in the river Tajo. The clams were reportedly kept alive in water containers and introduced to the legal market using fake documentation, bypassing essential health inspections. Distributed across Portugal, Spain, and as far as France and Italy, the contaminated clams posed a significant health risk, potentially causing food poisoning and other illnesses.

Investigations reveal that the illegal clam trade could generate up to EUR 2.5 million per week, with proceeds often laundered through the purchase and resale of luxury vehicles. Furthermore, the operation uncovered human trafficking activities, involving the exploitation of irregular migrants for labor in the fisheries sector. These individuals were reportedly paid minimal wages for their work under harsh conditions.

Europol’s involvement was crucial from the investigation’s inception in April 2025, which saw two significant action days in June and July. The agency facilitated secure communication, funded investigator meetings, and deployed experts to provide operational and analytical support. The suspects now face multiple charges, including environmental crime, money laundering, and document fraud.