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During a 35 person-operation, officers from both agencies raided five sites across England and arrested three men believed to be exporting waste tyres illegally into Vietnam and Hong Kong. Business and residential premises were searched and evidence seized.
The men – a 60 year old from Chelmsford, Essex, a 32 year old from Spalding, Lincolnshire and a 61 year old from Swanscombe, Kent – were arrested on suspicion of a number of fraud offences.
The operation follows an eight-month investigation by the Environment Agency, which gathered intelligence suggesting containers of baled waste tyres have been illegally exported to Vietnam. The exports breach the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 and the European Waste Shipment Regulations 2006.
Waste tyres are a valuable resource and can be used in a range of industrial and engineering processes, and in consumer products. But tyres do not decompose and are a major fire risk releasing toxic fumes into the air. They must be recycled or reused under strict controls in order to protect the environment and human health.
City of London Police Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Dave Clark said: “This case is a prime example of how police and government organisations such as the Environment Agency are coordinating their efforts to stop people committing fraud.
“As the Lead Force for fraud we will continue to do everything in our power to support and assist our colleagues to halt this damaging illegal trade.”
Environment Agency National Crime Team Manager Andy Higham added: "There is a clear message to tyre fitters here: check your waste collection companies carefully. Be suspicious of contractors who offer to take them away for less than 50p a tyre.”
