In February 2018, a 29-year-old man and a 46-year-old man were arrested at their homes in Chelsea and Hampstead Heath for questioning in relation to alleged waste crime, fraud, and money laundering offences (see letsrecycle.com story).
The Environment Agency alleged that the pair were involved in “organised crime” across the country, including in Lancashire, Middlesbrough, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Kent.
Following the arrests, detective inspector Tim Court of the Metropolitan Police said the action had “proven that the MPS and organised crime advisors will take action against those involved in any organised criminal activity in order to protect London.”
The two men were later released a few weeks after their arrest “under further investigation” (see letsrecycle.com story).
The men’s arrests were the result of a joint operation by the Environment Agency, the Metropolitan Police Service and Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN).
Defra told letsrecycle.com that the case was still “in progress” and that it could provide no further information.
Waste crime
Waste crime has made national news in recent weeks, with the BBC running an investigation into gangs “illegally” burying waste in Scotland and MPs discussing the issue in parliament.
Last month, recycling minister Jo Churchill unveiled a “crackdown” on waste crime (see letsrecycle.com story).
The plans include increased background checks for firms who move or trade waste, as well as proposals aimed at making it easier for regulators to act against rogue operators.
The plans will also see the introduction of mandatory digital waste tracking, using powers in the Environment Act to overhaul existing waste record keeping.
Mrs Churchill unveiled the crackdown on waste crime only a few days after the chair of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan, warned company bosses that “extremely harmful and reckless pollution” could put them in jail (see letsrecycle.com story).
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