Carlos Rafael, better known as the “Codfather,” pleaded guilty on March 30 to charges in connection with a scheme to skirt federal fishing regulations and smuggle the profits to Portugal.

Appearing in Boston Federal Court, the 65-year-old Dartmouth resident and owner of Carlos Seafood in New Bedford entered a guilty plea to 28 counts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They include one count of conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, 23 counts of false labeling and fish identification, two counts of falsifying federal records, one count of bulk cash smuggling, and one count of tax evasion.

“Today I pled guilty to the charges facing me,” Rafael said in a statement released through his attorney, William Kettlewell. “I am not proud of the things I did that brought me here, but admitting them is the right thing to do, and I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions.”

He also stated he hopes to protect jobs and the success of New Bedford’s fishing industry.

Rafael was arrested in February 2016, accused of filing false reports to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He claimed approximately 782,812 pounds of fish as abundant species like haddock between 2012 to January 2016, when in actuality they were cod, sole and other species with strict quotas, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

He detailed the scheme in a meeting with undercover federal agents posing as organized crime figures, stating he made $668,000 in his most recent dealing at the time with a New York City buyer, some of which he smuggled out of the country and into Portugal to avoid federal taxes, according to the press release.

“Mr. Rafael’s scheme not only compromised delicate fish populations, but also profited on the backs of his hard-working crews,” said Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb in a press release. “Without Mr. Rafael and his scheme, New England fishermen who work hard for honest pay can now enjoy a more level playing field.”

Carlos Seafood owned 32 fishing vessels and held 44 permits, making it one of the largest commercial fishing businesses in the United States, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Rafael is scheduled to appear in court for his sentencing hearing on June 27, 2017.