WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal officials say five individuals and two companies have been charged in a Chinese honey-dumping case.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced the charges Wednesday along with Customs and Border Protection officials.
Federal officials say the Chinese honey was declared as other commodities and shipped through third countries.

The defendants in the investigation dubbed “Project Honeygate” are accused of evading anti-dumping duties totaling more than $180 million.

Two of the nation’s largest honey suppliers have also agreed to pay fines.

Federal officials say Baytown, Texas-based Honey Holding has agreed to pay $1 million and Onsted, Mich.-based Groeb Farms has agreed to pay $2 million in fines.

Officials say an undercover agent posed as the director of procurement at Honey Holding, which cooperated in the investigation.

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