Miami Seafood Wholesaler Pleads Guilty to Price-Fixing

Miami

Dennis Dopico, a vice president of a Miami-based seafood wholesaler, has pleaded guilty to being part of a price-fixing conspiracy that lasted several years and cheated local fishermen out of fair wages. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that this illegal scheme, which took place between 2023 and 2025, involved collusion with competitors to manipulate the prices of stone crab claws and spiny lobsters.

The price-fixing conspiracy is estimated to have impacted approximately $8 million in seafood commerce. According to the DOJ’s findings, Dopico coordinated communications through phone calls and text messages with other wholesalers to suppress competition and set prices unfairly. One particular message from September 2023 was highlighted where Dopico directed a co-conspirator to keep their discussions confidential while agreeing to fix prices.

The DOJ noted that the actions of Dopico and his co-conspirators unfairly deprived hardworking fishermen in Florida of their deserved earnings, impacting not only the fisheries but also raising costs for consumers who purchase these seafood items at restaurants and markets. This underlines the broader implications of price-fixing on both the supply chain and the economy.

Legal Consequences

Dopico’s guilty plea specifically includes a felony count for restraining trade under the Sherman Act, a federal statute designed to prohibit anti-competitive practices. The penalty for this charge carries severe ramifications, including a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a potential fine of $1 million for individuals. Corporations involved in similar schemes could face fines up to $100 million.

Sentencing for Dopico has been scheduled for January 5, 2026, as investigations continue. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also actively involved in the ongoing investigation, and officials are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center.

Impact on Local Communities

This case highlights how price-fixing not only affects the parties directly involved but also has ripple effects throughout the local economy. Fishermen rely on fair pricing for their catch to sustain their livelihoods, while consumers ultimately bear the costs of inflated prices. The DOJ’s emphasis on protecting the interests of local fishermen stresses the importance of ethical practices in the seafood industry and in trade generally.

Background on Price-Fixing

Price-fixing occurs when competing businesses agree on prices to avoid competition, which leads to inflated costs for consumers and unfair practices for suppliers. The Sherman Act was enacted to promote fair competition for the benefit of consumers and to outlaw such conspiratorial behavior. Federal authorities are vigilant against price-fixing schemes, recognizing their detrimental impact on market dynamics, economic integrity, and the livelihood of individuals reliant on fair pricing.

As the investigation proceeds, the DOJ is committed to prosecuting such illegal activities to ensure that those who engage in unethical trade practices are held accountable. The case serves as a cautionary tale for others in the industry regarding the legal and ethical ramifications of collusion in pricing strategies.