Fruit magnate Chiquita has been fined $25 million for once paying millions of dollars to a Colombian terrorist organization. Chiquita used to pay off Colombian terrorists in exchange for protection of their most profitable banana-growing operations. Portfolio reports:

Between 1997 and 2004, Chiquita gave $1.7 million to [the paramilitary group United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia] A.U.C., whose death squads destroyed unions, terrorized workers, and killed thousands of civilians. Chiquita’s top officials ­admit approving the payments but say they thought that if they didn’t pay up, the A.U.C. would kill its employees and attack its facilities.

That’s right. Every time you eat a banana, a Colombian paramilitary kills. Also, can somebody fine Chiquita for using that Carmen Miranda slut on their logo?

The Banana War [CNN Portfolio]
Image: [Google]