Seafood dealer Cuong D. Bui has been banned from working in the seafood industry during a probationary period as part of a sentence he received for for illegally buying and selling fish across state lines.
Bui, a resident of the U.S. state of Georgia, pled guilty in June 2022 to illegally selling recreationally-caught snapper and king mackerel across state lines. On 23 September, Bui was sentenced to five years of probation, a USD 25,000 (EUR 25,500) fine, and 300 hours of community service.
Undercover agents and investigators uncovered 2,434 pounds of illegal fish purchased and transported by Bui across three different states, a violation of the Lacey Act.
“Through an undercover operation, we discovered that Mr. Bui would travel from Georgia through Florida to Alabama to purchase fish illegally at interstate parking lots. He also made illegal purchases at his business in Georgia,” NOAA Fisheries said. “Aware of his illegal activity, Mr. Bui regularly changed the meeting locations of his illegal fish purchases. He even concocted fake stories to deceive federal and state agents. Mr. Bui instructed the undercover agents to lie if they were stopped by enforcement on the way to sell their illegal catch."
NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, Southeast Division Manny Antonaras said Bui illegally purchased more than USD 14,000 (EUR 14,300) worth of fish, while also failing to comply with state laws and health codes.
“It is our job to protect honest fishermen and good actors and those who break the rules will be held accountable,” Antonaras said. “This case demonstrates the importance of our close collaboration with state partners, creative undercover operations, and diligent investigative work.”
Photo courtesy of NOAA Fisheries
