65 charged in horsemeat scandal probe

MEMBERS of an organised criminal group who are suspected to be behind the 2013 horsemeat scandal have been arrested and charged in a major international police operation.

The horsemeat scandal caused widespread outcry four years ago when Irish authorities found horsemeat — including horsemeat containing bute — in human food labelled as beef.

Europol and the Spanish Guardia Civil worked with authorities in Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland and the UK to break up the group.

In Spain, 65 people have been charged with crimes including: animal abuse, document forgery, perverting the course of justice, crimes against public health, money laundering and being part of a criminal organisation.

Properties, luxury cars and bank accounts have also been blocked or seized.

Officers found horses who were in bad shape, too old or labelled as “not suitable for consumption” were being slaughtered in two Spanish abattoirs.

The horsemeat was then processed in a specific facility before being exported to Belgium and sent on to other countries.

The gang is suspected of forging horses’ identification by modifying the animals’ microchips and documents.

Investigators concluded the Spanish element of the organisation was a small part of the whole European structure.

They believe the criminal group was being controlled by the suspected Dutch ringleader, who was arrested in Belgium.

Police carried out co-ordinated operations across France, Portugal, Italy, Romania, Switzerland and the UK to arrest those facing charges.