Hundreds of waste criminals arrested in global operation
March 2026, In collaboration with local authorities, Europol carried out its first large-scale operation in 2025, leading to the arrest of over 300 individuals involved in various forms of environmental crime. Nearly 130,000 tonnes of waste were seized in the operation.
The operation took place across five continents. Europol worked with partners from no fewer than 71 countries, including the Netherlands.
A total of 1,048 inspections were carried out worldwide, resulting in 337 arrests.
The following items were also seized:
- 127,149 tonnes of waste consisting of car wrecks, scrap metal, plastic waste, used solar panels, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), tyres and textile waste.
- 602 tonnes of pollutants, including 398 tonnes of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases)
- 75 tonnes of plant protection products
- 2.3 tonnes of mercury
- Nearly 10 million euros in cash and bank accounts
- Evidence, including 130 vehicles, heavy machinery, firearms, apartments and businesses.
Europol has observed a sharp rise in waste crime, partly because the line between legal and illegal activities is becoming increasingly blurred.
More and more offences are being committed by ostensibly legitimate waste management companies.
More and more offences are being committed by ostensibly legitimate waste management companies.
In 2024, the EU Directive on environmental crime was adopted. This introduces new criminal offences and imposes harsher penalties.
