International cooperation between French and Spanish authorities, supported by Europol, has resulted in the arrest of four suspects in Spain involved in the smuggling of hazardous construction waste.

The investigation focused on an alleged cross-border network that illegally transported tonnes of demolition waste from France to Spain, posing serious risks to public health and the environment.

During the coordinated action day, simultaneous operations were conducted across several regions in France, and in Barcelona and its outskirts. In addition to the arrests, authorities seized large quantities of electronic devices and documentation across 20 locations in France and four in Spain.

Thousands of trucks from France to Spain

The investigation, launched in 2022, uncovered a network that smuggled thousands of truckloads of suspicious waste from France to Spain each year. 

Investigators believe that the trucks carried large quantities of shredded foam, paper, insulation, cardboard, polystyrene, wood, plastics, and other hazardous materials, some with potential carcinogenic effects. In Spain, the waste was illegally buried, contaminating soil, aquifers and farmland.

The criminal activity is estimated to have generated several millions of euros in illicit profits.

Europol’s environmental crime experts supported this operation by coordinating the efforts of the French and Spanish authorities, and providing key intelligence and financial support. During the action day, a Europol expert was deployed to support national authorities on the ground.