EDMONTON — Wildlife officials in Alberta have charged 27 people in what they are calling an elaborate black market fishing ring.
The arrests follow an investigation that began over three years ago into accusations of people illegally fishing and selling walleye and whitefish.
Officials allege the accused formed an underground network of buyers and sellers to avoid detection by authorities.
The 27 are from Pigeon Lake, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Rimbey and Edmonton, and are not part of a commercial fishing operation.
They face 72 counts under the Fisheries Act and face a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and one year in jail.
Officials say such practices are a serious threat to Alberta’s fish populations.