A Lincolnshire waste company has been fined £1 million for buying and selling catalytic converters without an environmental permit.
Recorder John Hardy KC imposed the order on Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd at Lincoln Crown Court. In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Hardy said a fine of this level was necessary to reflect the ‘gravity of offending’.
The company’s sole director, Edvars Stancik, 31, was also convicted for running the illegal waste operation, and a warrant for his arrest remains in force.
Neither Stancik, who is believed to be in Lithuania, nor the company obtained an environmental permit before buying and selling thousands of catalytic converters.
At a hearing on 16 May 2025, Recorder Hardy ruled that Stancik had made £4,312,925.70 from his criminal activity while his company made £4,344,827.60.
The court heard assets of £495,280.88 were available from the company, made up of cash in a bank account and seized catalytic converters.
Stancik’s only asset was £30,934.16 from equity in a house he sold before his trial, the court was told.
Recorder Hardy ordered those amounts to be confiscated and ruled that £100,111.65 should be paid to the Environment Agency to cover costs.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “This sentence sends a clear message to people and businesses that if they commit waste crime, they will be fully punished.”
“We continue to work alongside partners, including Lincolnshire Police, to reduce crime in the waste sector. This is to protect legitimate businesses, communities and the environment.”