Chiquita fined $25 million for paying protection to Colombian terrorists
Chiquita Brands International Inc. will pay a fine of $25 million after a former banana-producing subsidiary in Colombia paid protection money to paramilitary groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations under a U.S. statute.
“The payments made by the company were always motivated by our good faith concern for the safety of our employees. Nevertheless, we recognized — and acted upon — our legal obligation to inform the DOJ (U.S. Justice Department) of this admittedly difficult situation,” said Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita’s chairman and chief executive officer.
The Cincinnati-based company said it set money aside in 2006 for the fine, which it said would not impact its ability to operate. Chiquita is considering selling its overseas shipping and shipping-related logistics operations to help reduce its debt.
Chiquita fined $25 million for paying protection to Colombian terrorists
