Entrepreneur Carlos Rafael, known as the 'Codfather'. (Photo: Stock File)

Codfather’s associate convicted in cash smuggling scheme

UNITED STATES
Friday, July 21, 2017, 01:20 (GMT + 9)

A former Bristol County sheriff’s deputy was convicted of cash smuggling and US currency export scheme related to the New Bedford fishing mogul known as “The Codfather” case.

Federal prosecutors’ documents reveal that Antonio Freitas, who was also a long-time Immigration and Customs Enforcement task-force officer, was found guilty of smuggling USD 17,500 through airport security and later depositing the money in a Portuguese bank account belonging to the Codfather, Carlos Rafael, the owner of Carlos Seafood, Inc, Boston Herald reported.

Authorities stated that between 2012 to 2016, Rafael — who has pleaded guilty to 28 charges and is awaiting sentencing — often lied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about the amount and types of fish his boats caught in order to evade fishing quotas.

“He also submitted false records to federal regulators, and sold most of the fish his vessels caught to a wholesale business in New York City in exchange for bags of cash,” the US Attorney’s office said.

Rafael’s plea agreement included 13 permits that could be forfeited, but the motion to delay sentencing suggests that the mogul could sell his entire stock.

Freitas’ conviction provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of USD 250,000.

Related articles:

 - ‘The Codfather’ pleads guilty of fishing quota fraud
- 'Codfather' seafood mogul pleads guilty in fish scam

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