Two Lithuanian men appeared in constitutional hearing at HjĂžrring Court on Thursday morning. Police presented them for formal questioning in a major seafood theft investigation. The hearing began at 10 AM local time.
Authorities accuse the men of stealing 33 pallets of fresh salmon from Hirtshals harbor. The theft occurred during mid-July. The stolen fish carries an estimated value of 850,000 Danish kroner. That equals approximately $122,000 USD.
A third Lithuanian man remains in custody as the suspected mastermind. Police identified him as a 50-year-old who allegedly organized the operation. Investigators believe all three men worked together to execute the theft.
Video evidence played a crucial role in the investigation. Surveillance footage shows the stolen salmon being transported away by truck. The large quantity of fresh fish has not been recovered.
Police Commissioner Maiken Saaby from North Jutland Police confirmed the basic facts. She declined to share additional details to protect the ongoing investigation. The police have not revealed how the two men, aged 46 and 49, respond to the charges.
This case highlights the valuable nature of Nordic seafood exports. Salmon theft represents a growing concern in Scandinavian fishing communities. High-value seafood shipments attract organized crime groups seeking quick profits.
Denmark's constitutional hearing process allows judges to determine if suspects should remain detained. The system provides judicial oversight of police investigations. This particular case involves substantial economic crime crossing international borders.
The Hirtshals harbor serves as a major Nordic seafood export hub. Its location makes it vulnerable to sophisticated theft operations. Previous incidents have targeted high-value fish shipments throughout Scandinavia.
International criminal networks increasingly target Nordic food exports. The region's reputation for quality products creates black market demand. Police across Scandinavia have coordinated efforts to combat organized seafood theft.
The two men now face formal proceedings in the Danish legal system. Their constitutional hearing represents the first step in potentially lengthy legal proceedings. The case continues as police pursue the missing salmon and investigate the theft's international connections.