Africa-Press – Mozambique. The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) in Cabo Delgado announced this Thursday the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in the illegal sale of sea turtle meat, a species protected by law. SERNIC also announced the arrest of one other individual over an alleged attempt to obtain bank credit using forged documents. The arrests occurred on the 4th of this month.
During a press conference in Pemba, SERNIC spokesperson Arnélio Sola explained that the investigations began following tip-offs indicating that citizens were illegally selling sea turtle meat.
“The National Criminal Investigation Service in Cabo Delgado province, through tip-offs from the public, became aware of some citizens engaged in the fishing and sale of meat from a prohibited species called sea turtles,” he stated.
According to Sola, SERNIC operations in a neighbourhood of the city of Pemba, resulted in the arrest, in flagrante delicto, of an individual in possession of 10.63 kg of sea turtle meat.
During the initial interrogation, the suspect revealed the names of two accomplices who, according to authorities, also participated in the illegal activity. Both were subsequently arrested. All three individuals confessed to involvement in the crime of illegal sale and transportation of protected wildlife resources.
“Documents were prepared and forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for the appropriate legal procedures,” the spokesperson stated.
One of the detainees told authorities that his decision to commit the crime was motivated by financial hardship. “I did it. I knew it was prohibited, but I had no choice due to poverty,” he said.
Bank fraud
Also during the same period, SERNIC arrested a citizen at a bank branch in Pemba for attempting to obtain credit using falsified documents. According to the spokesperson, the individual was caught red-handed while completing the loan application.
Investigations revealed that the suspect is from Muidumbe district and had previously incurred debt with the same financial institution. To circumvent the restrictions, he allegedly falsified the documents required to apply for new financing, concealing his debt history.
“He is charged with the crime of document forgery and use of false documents. The procedural documents were also forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal action,” Sola said.
In its statement, SERNIC reiterated the importance of public collaboration in combating crime in Cabo Delgado effectively.
“We urge the public to continue reporting criminal cases, thus enabling the neutralization and accountability of their perpetrators,” Sola concluded.
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