The three Chinese nationals who have been charged in connection with the illegal exportation of about 40 tons of perlemoen valued at R100 million have been acquitted on all charges.
On Tuesday, Judge Fungile Dotwana of the Gqeberha High Court ruled that the State failed to prove its case against Kai Ou Yang, Chu-Kai Chang, and Hsien-Chu Ou Yang in her capacity as a member of Blue Fin Marine Trading CC.
Blue Fin Marine Trading CC conducted business in the wholesale and distribution of seafood products, as well as to restaurants and shipping.
The trio were hauled before the courts and charged with 24 charges which included fraud, racketeering, money laundering, and the contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.
They were arrested in February 2022 after a police investigation that started in 2017 uncovered that abalone was allegedly being shipped illegally via the Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth Harbours.
The abalone is said to have been destined for the Asian markets.
Also read: Court hears how abalone was smuggled in shipping containers
In delivering his ruling, Dotwana noted that the trio vehemently denied any involvement in the illicit trading of abalone.
He said, though there was evidence that some of their employees were involved, none of them were proven to be in physical possession of the abalone.
Visibly relieved as they left the court flanked by their attorney, Michael Hulley, all of the former accused' declined to comment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that it has noted the judgment.
Spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali said the NPA will study the judgment carefully and consider possible legal avenues to take.
