As a new development in the lucrative fishing sector in the South Atlantic , following the illegal plundering of 175 tons of black hake in 2024 with the vessel Tai An , Chinese businessman Liu Zhijiang hired media lawyer Fernando Burlando and denounced the Fisheries Council for alleged bribes in the designation of fishing quotas .

Hidden in the shadows of his actions is a business that has earned him millions in profits at the expense of sustainable fishing resources and institutional transparency.

What appears to begin as an accusation of bribery in the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) quickly points to a plot of economic concentration and favoritism by a few companies , including PRODESUR , which has dominated the capture of the coveted Black Hake .

Although illegal fishing was detected last year through complaints from other companies that dominate the sector , it is clear that illegal fishing was, at least until recently, a recurring practice in the eccentric businessman's company .

This conclusion stems from their political closeness to the authorities, the lack of oversight, and the measures taken after the crime was discovered.

For example, the governor of Tierra del Fuego, Gustavo Melella, even requested the designation of a surplus of fishing quotas in favor of PRODESUR prior to the crime.

The president even appears in photographs alongside the billionaire presenting a project to build a new city in the province , gripped by a sort of de facto magnate's delirium, creating a dystopian society parallel to the Fuegian state.

In turn, after the illegal shipment was discovered, high-ranking national officials resigned . And the original fine was halved , demonstrating Liu Zhijiang's influence and connections .

Public records indicate that profits from the sale of Black Hake reached astronomical figures , elevating a few actors to a privileged position, while fishing institutions are mired in alarming opacity.

The complaint filed with the Federal Court of Comodoro Py exposes a scenario in which the Chinese businessman, who became Argentine citizens, blames officials and large business owners for a system that, in practice, has favored his exponential enrichment.

Economic benefit that was most likely achieved through the recurrence of clandestine practices , due to the monopolization of marine resources and the lack of oversight by the State.

Liu Zhijiang's accusation alleges that Resolution 15/24, issued on the eve of the distribution process for the 2025–2039 period, was issued under clear irregularities and alleges bribes received by sector authorities.

The quota transfer figures reflect the concentration of the business: firms such as Argenova, Estremar/San Arawa, and Pesquera de la Patagonia monopolized the largest shares, leaving PRODESUR in declining conditions and with dwindling resources.

The media lawyer Burlando, hired by Zhijiang in a move bordering on the controversial , not only represents one of the companies that has profited the most from this irregular system for years, but the multi-million dollar investment in his fees reveals that the owner of PRODESUR does not skimp on paying the costs of a strategy of impunity.

Despite the relevance of these events, public information in Tierra del Fuego is scarce , leaving the extent of the corruption and environmental damage caused by poor management, collusion, and monopolistic practices obscured.

Meanwhile, PRODESUR and its owner show no signs of remorse. The hiring of one of the country's most controversial and expensive lawyers reveals their true intention is to maintain their dominance in a highly lucrative market, regardless of environmental damage or the legality of their actions.

The story of PRODESUR and Liu Zhijiang is, without a doubt, a reflection of how in Argentina economic interests often prevail over transparency , sovereignty and the protection of national interests.

In this context, the magnitude of the environmental damage , the concentration of economic power , and the suspicion of bribery in the management of fishing quotas warrant not only a thorough investigation , but also a review of the allocation system in search of greater transparency, control, and protection for all Argentines.

Only in this way can responsible and sustainable fisheries management be guaranteed .