Three people have been arrested as part of a recycling fraud investigation.
Environment Agency officers worked with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit to carry out raids as part of an investigation into illegal recycling paperwork.
A 59-year-old man was arrested at a property in Bolton with a 42-year-old man, also from Bolton, detained. A 21-year-old woman was also arrested at a property in Chorley.
The suspects have been released pending ongoing investigations after being interviewed by police.
Lauren Pigg, Deputy Director for Environmental Markets and Regulation at the Environment Agency, said: “We are putting an end to fraudulent activity in the recycling sector, which undermines law-abiding businesses and harms our precious environment.
“The Environment Agency is now thoroughly examining all the evidence gathered in these raids to further progress the investigation and deliver justice.”
We are putting an end to fraudulent activity in the recycling sector, which undermines law-abiding businesses and harms our precious environment.
In 2024, the Environment Agency launched a new Economic Crime Unit to support its efforts to tackle money laundering and carry out financial investigations in the waste sector.
The Packaging Producer Responsibility Regulations were introduced to oblige the producers of waste packaging made from materials such as plastic, glass and cardboard to contribute towards the financial cost of recycling and disposing of their products.
Businesses that meet the criteria are required to prove they have made a financial contribution by purchasing credits, known as Packaging Export Recovery Notes, from waste reprocessors or exporters.
The credits have a monetary value, which the Environment Agency says means organised criminal gangs can use them to engage in high-value fraud and money laundering.
DCI Chris Maddocks from the NWROCU’s Economic Crime Team said: “This operation highlights the importance of strong collaboration between law enforcement and regulatory partners.
“We remain committed to tackling fraud in all its forms and to supporting partner organisations such as the Environment Agency in holding those responsible to account.”