TWO individuals in Cornwall have been arrested as part of an investigation into packaging fraud and money laundering.
Officers from the Environment Agency worked alongside Devon and Cornwall Police to apprehended a man and woman. The arrests relate to alleged fraud within the Packaging Producer Responsibility regime. The system allows reprocessors, accredited by the Environment Agency, to sell credits for packaging waste they recycle. Producers must then purchase these credits to pay towards the cost of recycling their packaging.
In this case, those involved sold more than £6 million in credits for packaging they claim to have reprocessed. However, the Environment Agency said it is suspected that a large proportion of this never actually took place and the reprocessing figures have been inflated. The individuals are also suspected of laundering the money made from this offending, it added.
After being interviewed, the suspects were released pending further investigation.
Emma Viner, enforcement and investigations manager in the Environment Agency’s national environmental crime unit, said, “These arrests mark another important step in our war against waste criminals. Whether it’s defrauding the waste sector or dumping rubbish in our towns and cities, the Environment Agency is working tirelessly to catch those responsible. We will follow the money and act against those profiting from waste crime.
“Our officers are now thoroughly examining all the evidence gathered to further progress this investigation and deliver justice.”
