Home / Crime and Justice / Waste Fraud Duo Nabbed in £6M Credit Scam
Waste Fraud Duo Nabbed in £6M Credit Scam
26 Feb
Summary
- Two arrested in £6m waste packaging fraud probe.
- Allegations of inflated reprocessing figures investigated.
- Suspects accused of laundering criminal proceeds.
A man and a woman, both 47, were arrested in Penzance, Cornwall, earlier this week in connection with a significant waste packaging fraud and money laundering investigation. The arrests were made by the Environment Agency (EA) and Devon and Cornwall Police.
The investigation targets alleged fraud within the Packaging Producer Responsibility system. This system allows accredited reprocessors to sell credits for recycled packaging waste, which producers must then buy to meet their recycling obligations. Investigators suspect that over £6 million in credits were sold fraudulently, with claims that reprocessing figures were artificially inflated.
Authorities also suspect the arrested individuals of laundering the money generated from this alleged offending. The suspects were released pending further investigation. The EA highlighted this action as a crucial development in their efforts to combat waste criminals who exploit the credits system.
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh stated that these arrests send a strong message about the commitment to eradicating waste crime. The EA continues its work to apprehend those profiting from illegal activities within the waste sector.
