GULFPORT, MS – Khiem Dinh Vh, 56, of D’Iberville, Mississippi, is facing federal prison time after admitting today to a brazen scheme to illegally peddle Gulf Coast seafood. Vu, operating under the name “Gulf Coast Seafood” in Jackson County, pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, a federal law designed to prevent the sale of illegally harvested wildlife – in this case, fish – across state lines.
The guilty plea came before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, following an initial appearance and waiver of indictment before Magistrate Judge Robert P. Myers, Jr. According to court documents, Vu wasn’t just selling fish; he was skirting the law by operating as an unlicensed wholesale seafood dealer. He purchased hauls from commercial fishermen and other dealers in Biloxi and Pass Christian, then shipped the product north to seafood markets in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area – all without the required Mississippi license.
This wasn’t a victimless crime. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) regulates the state’s seafood industry for a reason: to protect dwindling fish stocks and ensure a fair market for legitimate fishermen. Vu’s operation undermined those efforts, cutting into the livelihood of those who play by the rules. The DMR’s Office of Marine Patrol worked alongside federal investigators to unravel the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst didn’t mince words, praising the collaborative effort of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the DMR. “This investigation demonstrates our commitment to protecting our natural resources and holding accountable those who seek to profit illegally,” Hurst stated. The investigation, led by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, revealed a clear pattern of disregard for both state and federal regulations.
Vu now faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, a hefty $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Judge Ozerden has scheduled sentencing for December 3, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. – a date Vu will likely wish he could reel back. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gaines Cleveland is prosecuting the case, ensuring Vu answers for his illegal operation.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly small-scale operations can have significant consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. The full extent of Vu’s profits and the impact of his scheme on the Gulf Coast fishing industry remains under scrutiny.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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