Two arrested over alleged waste exportation fraud

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering as part of an investigation into illegal waste exporting claims.

The Environment Agency (EA) said the men, aged 59 and 39, were arrested in Doncaster last week as part of a joint operation with South Yorkshire Police.

A spokesperson said both men had since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Lauren Pigg, the EA's deputy director for waste markets and shipments, said: "We are calling time on fraudulent activity in the recycling sector, which harms law-abiding businesses and threatens our environment."

She added: "Our teams are now thoroughly examining all the evidence gathered in these raids, to help progress this investigation and deliver justice."

The agency said organised criminals were exploiting systems put in place to manage waste exportation rules.

A spokesperson for the EA said under the Packaging Producer Responsibility Regulations, producers of waste packaging made from materials such as plastic, glass and cardboard are obliged to contribute towards the financial cost of recycling and disposing the waste.

They added: "Businesses that meet the criteria are required to prove they have made a financial contribution by purchasing credits, known as Packaging Export Recovery Notes, from waste re-processors or exporters.

"However, the credits have a monetary value which means organised criminal gangs can look to infiltrate the sector and engage in high value fraud and money laundering."

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