UNODC’s approach to addressing crimes in the fisheries sector conceptualizes these crimes in two categories: first, crimes associated with the fisheries sector that have no direct connection with fishing operations but take place on fishing vessels, in fishing facilities or use fishing operations to commit or cover crimes. An example of crime associated with the fisheries sector would be the trafficking of firearms. Second, crimes in the fisheries value chain that are closely linked to fishing operations, although they are not “illegal fishing” per se. These crimes extend into the trade, ownership structures and financial services associated with the fishing sector—they are not only associated with the act of fishing. Such crimes include fraud and forgery, corruption, money-laundering, tax crimes, customs and fiscal fraud as well as trafficking in persons.
