StarKist Co. , owners of Starkist Samoa which was yesterday fined $100 million for its role in a conspiracy to fix the price of canned tuna, says it is committed to being a socially responsible company and doing the right thing,
Yesterday United States District Court, Northern District of California Edward M. Chen ruled that the company must pay a fine of $100 million for its role in the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division (DOJ)’s packaged tuna price-fixing investigation.
This sentence brings to an end StarKist’s involvement in the DOJ’s investigation and resolves all outstanding criminal antitrust issues for the company.
Andrew Choe, President and CEO of StarKist Co said, “We have cooperated with the DOJ during the course of its investigation and accept responsibility.
“We will continue to conduct our business with the utmost transparency and integrity. We have addressed the necessary actions required in this agreement and we will continue to strengthen related compliance best practices.”
Congresswoman Aumua Amata said I’m concerned anytime any development threatens our fishing industry. I sincerely hope that this government action will not impact our local cannery’s operations.
In June the congresswoman has written to the Dept of Justice saying while there must be a penalty for the illegal actions, this cannot mean a death penalty to the cannery as well as the 2500 workers of American Samoa whose livelihood depends on its presence in our island.
Aumua told KHJ News said StarKist is a vibrant essential part of our economy and we want them to
continue to thrive. My staff is talking to their staff all the time.
We are working hard on the 30A tax extension and I am optimistic.
There has not been any reaction from ASG to the $100 million fine on the territory’s biggest private employer.
The fine could have ranged between $50m and $100m. It will be paid over a five-year period with $5 million due within 30 days.
In 2020, the company will pay an additional $11 million with four annual payments of $24 m to come between 2021 and 2024. StaKist will also be placed on probation for 13 months. The payments will be made without interest.
Judge Chen said he found that StarKist did not demonstrate that the amount of the fine should be reduced from the $100m figure.
“It is my conclusion that there will be enough assets available,” he said of the company’s ability to pay.
