Michelmores partner prosecutes in EU fish scam

Acting on behalf of the Marine Management Organization, Andrew Oldland QC, a partner at Michelmores Solicitors, successfully prosecuted two Spanish fishing firms for falsifying logbooks and landing declarations and transferring catches between vessels in contravention of EU fishing laws.

Described by presiding judge Graham Cottle as a “systematic, repeated and cynical” abuse of EU fishing quotas, he ordered Hijos De Vidal Bandin SA and its British registered subsidiary, Sealskill Limited, to pay fines and costs totalling £1.6 million.

The offending skippers of the boats involved in the deception were each fined £5000.

Andrew Oldland specialises in a wide range of regulatory matters, and has particular expertise in financial regulation (including anti-corruption and anti-money laundering), maritime, fisheries, transport, environmental law and health & safety. His maritime practice also includes collisions at sea, onboard accidents, pollution and licensing for marine planning applications.

He has recently been providing up to the minute commentary on the potential prosecutions arising from the Barclays Libor scandal.

For more information please contact andrew.oldland@michelmores.com.