China is reportedly demanding around 120 million NOK for the return of a Norwegian citizen imprisoned for alleged salmon smuggling.
Yimin Dong, born in China but now a Norwegian national, was sentenced in 2018 to 13 years in prison for allegedly smuggling Norwegian salmon into China through Vietnam and Tibet. At the time, Norway’s salmon exports to China were banned for political reasons.
Dong, who is nearing her 60th birthday, has consistently denied the charges. Her family and Norwegian authorities have for years sought her transfer to Norway to complete her sentence, citing deteriorating health conditions and fears for her well-being.
Dong had previously worked for the Norwegian salmon company SalMar, though the company has maintained she was not employed by them at the time of her arrest.
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, China’s Ministry of Justice has informed her family that a payment of 120 million NOK, plus additional costs, would be required for her release. A letter from September this year shows that Beijing has rejected Norway’s latest request to have her serve the remainder of her sentence in Norway.
