The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed to Letsrecycle.com that the court date has been set for 2 June 2025 at Birmingham Crown Court. A corporate entity will also be on trial in relation to the investigation.
The charges involve the dumping of illegal waste, fraud and money laundering in areas including Lancashire, Middlesborough, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Kent.
The two arrests were originally made in February 2018 as part of a join operation by the EA, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN).
The unnamed 29-year-old and 46-year-old were arrested at their homes in Chelsea and Hampstead Heath. The properties were also searched as part of the arrest procedure.
The pair was released “under further investigation” a few weeks after the arrests were made which the EA confirmed to Letsrecycle.com was “still ongoing” in February 2022.
The EA noted that it cannot currently comment as the investigation is in court proceedings.
Joint action on waste crime
After the arrests were made, EA team leader Mark Rumble, commented: “We are working closely with partners to share intelligence on illegal waste activity to ensure the culprits are brought to justice.
“We need everyone to play their part in the fight against waste crime – an issue that blights communities and drains valuable resources. Property and landowners are encouraged to be vigilant and report suspicious illegal activity to the Environment Agency.”
The London GAIN co-ordinator added: “Working in partnership, sharing intelligence lawfully and efficiently, the GAIN aims to ensure that government agencies along with law enforcement will help reduce serious and organised crime, in the most cost-effective way. This action is an excellent example of adopting a multi-agency approach.”
Waste crime in the UK
Waste crime is on the rise in the UK, with fly tipping alone having increased 6% last year.
Earlier in the month (6 March 2025), “Operation Clean Sweep” saw the EA run a day of enforcement action including roadside inspections in Boston and site visits in Skegness.
Led by the EA, the operation featured multiple agencies including Lincolnshire Police, British Transport Police, Boston borough council, East Lindsey district council, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
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