Europol reported that more than 330 suspects were arrested across 70 countries in an operation targeting organised criminal networks trafficking illicit waste; authorities seized hazardous materials and nearly €10 million in cash and bank accounts. Investigators said the networks relied heavily on document forgery and commercial fraud to move hazardous waste across borders.

Europol announced a major transnational operation that led to the arrest of over 330 suspects in 70 countries in an investigation into organised criminal networks involved in the illicit trade and trafficking of hazardous waste. Law‑enforcement authorities executed coordinated actions that resulted in the seizure of large quantities of hazardous materials, equipment used to conceal shipments, and nearly €10 million in cash and frozen bank accounts. Europol and partner agencies highlighted that the criminal groups used extensive document forgery, falsified permits and other commercial fraud techniques to misclassify waste shipments and bypass environmental controls, enabling cross‑border movement and illicit disposal for profit. The operation underlines how organised‑crime fraud extends beyond typical financial scams into environmental and commercial domains, creating public‑health and ecological risks. Authorities stressed continued international cooperation, forensic follow‑up on seized assets and planned prosecutions to dismantle the networks and recover illicit proceeds.