On the other hand, John F. Bennett, Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Francisco, commented, “Our citizens’ confidence in the ability to buy goods within an unbiased market is key to sustaining an efficient and fair economy.”
In addition, Bennet said the investigation shows their “commitment to holding corporations and senior leadership accountable.” It also represents their dedication to ensuring that they will not tolerate illegal activities such as price fixing.
StarKist is committed to “doing the right thing”
Meanwhile, StarKist President and CEO Andrew Choe, said they “cooperated with the DOJ’s investigation and accepted accountability. He added that the company is committed to being “socially responsible and doing the right thing.”
StarKist is based in Pittsburg and it is a subsidiary of Dongwon Group, a South Korean company. It is the second corporation in the seafood industry to admit its involvement in price fixing.
Last year, Bumble Bee Foods pleaded guilty to price fixing and agreed to pay a penalty of $25 million. Two of its executives also pleaded guilty for the same offense. Its former CEO Christopher Lischewski is fighting the criminal charges against him for the same reason. He is waiting for his trial.
