The robbers were said to be well-organized, and insurance firm If Skadeforsikring alone lost 10 trucks it covered. Companies Vesta and Gjensidige also were victims of the so-called "fish mafia."
The situation left Norwegian fish exporters facing forced withdrawal from the market in southern Italy. They appealed to the authorities in Italy, contending that foreign cargoes were particular targets of the highway robbers.
At first, the exporters faced little sympathy, with the Italian authorities refusing to acknowledge that a problem existed. But suddenly things started to happen.
"We met with the chief of the agency charged with fighting crime on Italian roads," said Reidar Saether of the If insurance company, who represented exporters. "He said police had been under pressure from the foreign ministry, and had set out the patrols."
The insurance companies have in turn set up clear security guidelines for the exporters and their truckers, advising them where to drive and which roadside rest stops are safe. Exports recently resumed.
Saether conceded the guidelines are rigid, but said there haven't been any robberies since they went into effect with the patrols in place.
