AN individual in Birmingham has been arrested as part of an investigation into waste plastic packaging fraud and money laundering, the Environment Agency has announced.
In a dawn operation taking place yesterday (Wednesday 25 March 2026), officers from the Environment Agency worked with West Midlands Police to arrest a 49-year-old man for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.
The arrest relates to a complex investigation which involves fraud within the Packaging Producer Responsibility (PPR) regime. This is a system that allows exporters and reprocessors, accredited by the Environment Agency, to sell credits for packaging waste they export or recycle. Producers of waste must then purchase these credits to help pay towards the cost of recycling their packaging.
This investigation focuses on the unlawful selling of more than £2 million in credits for exports that are suspected of never actually taking place. The male was also arrested in respect of laundering the proceeds of this crime.
Officers from the Environment Agency’s investigation and disruption team are continuing their enquiries and evidence gathered during the arrest will be assessed.
Lauren Pigg, Environment Agency’s deputy director for waste markets and shipments, said, “This arrest sends a clear message to waste crooks – we will hunt you down.
“With West Midlands Police, we have been working relentlessly to progress this highly complex investigation and stop this fraudulent activity.
“Through our new ten point plan, we will take the fight to waste criminals by acting faster and putting an end to the damage they cause to our communities and environment.”
If a member of the public has any information that may help with this investigation, they should call the Environment Agency’s hotline on 0800 807060. They can also report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or their website.
