Croatian law enforcement authorities arrested 13 persons suspected of being part of an environmental crime network. The main suspects, two Croatian nationals, are considered high-value targets by Europol and are believed to have orchestrated the illegal import of hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia and Germany to Croatia. Instead of being properly treated and disposed of, the investigation shows that the waste was simply buried or dumped in at least three locations. 

It is estimated that at least 35 000 tonnes of waste were illegally disposed of in this manner, generating a profit of at least EUR 4 million for the criminals.

Abusing an infrastructure of legal businesses, the criminal network is believed to have managed the illegal trafficking and disposal of the waste from the countries of origin, mainly Italy, to the destination in Croatia. To that end, the criminal network relied on legal companies in Italy, as well as transport companies and other legitimate businesses in Italy and Croatia. Laboratory analysis shows that the illegally disposed garbage, which the criminals falsely declared as recyclable plastic waste, is legally considered dangerous waste. Croatian authorities believe that the criminal network also illegally buried and dumped medical waste from Croatian companies.

Falsified documentation as key to profit

Criminal networks engaged in waste trafficking take advantage of the high treatment costs, particularly for hazardous waste. In this case, the modus operandi was to win tender procedures for the treatment of waste in Italy by offering lower prices compared with other providers on the legal market. Upon winning a contract, the Croatian-led criminal network would transport the waste – without any previous mandatory treatment – to Croatia. To circumvent the necessary consent of the destination country, the criminals would falsify documentation to declare the waste as merely destined for recycling, thus veiling its true nature. By disposing of medical or hazardous waste in Croatia without having treated in any way, the criminal network saves the costs associated with this procedure and pockets the difference.

Huge profits, low risk, and irreparable damage

Waste trafficking is an illegal activity that allows criminal networks to obtain huge profits while exposing themselves to comparatively low risk. Illegal disposal of waste often causes irreparable damage to the environment, polluting soil, water, and air. These crimes usually go hand in hand with the falsification of documents, or financial crimes such as money laundering or corruption. During the action day, officers on the scene seized electronic devices, mobile phones and documents, which will be subject to further investigation.

Europol supported the investigations conducted by national law enforcement and environmental protection agencies. Europol’s experts on environmental crime coordinated the operation by holding coordination and operational meetings as well as providing analytical support. On the action day, Europol’s experts provided the authorities with real-time support.