BEIJING: China customs arrested nine staff members at Zespri Chinese in relation to import prohibited fruit as well as an ongoing investigation for under-declaration of customs duties.
Zespri is said to be keeping a close eye on the unravelling situation, reports the National Business Review.
Company Dalian Yidu was employed as Zespri’s sole importer for North East China last year, after their former partnership with Neuhof fell apart when they were convicted on similar charges.
A Zespri spokesperson denies that the company has any involvement in the investigation.
“Dalian Yidu imports many New Zealand and global agricultural products and the company deals with less than five percent of Zespri’s China volume. Zespri’s NZ supply season to our markets, including China, finished quite a while ago and Zespri has no financial exposure to Yidu.”
