A recent Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC) investigation has targeted a significant and long-standing illegal waste operation.
The site was operating as an unlawful landfill, scrap metal dealer, and waste transfer station. It had been designated a high-risk, ‘red card’ hostile site and had presented ongoing challenges to the Environment Agency for over a decade prior to JUWC involvement.
The site was controlled by a family with a well-documented history of criminality and known associations with police. In addition to waste offences, broader criminal activity was identified.
JUWC adopted a strategy focused on disrupting the group’s business model rather than relying solely on conventional enforcement. Through coordinated overt and covert operations, sufficient evidence was developed and shared with partner agencies to enable targeted action.
Outcomes included:
- the seizure and destruction of 23 heavy goods vehicles using Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and police powers
- a restriction order preventing access to the site, enforced through a sustained multi-agency presence
- a 3-week joint police operation maintaining a physical presence at the site entrance
Working in partnership with police, JUWC supported the successful application for a closure order under anti-social behaviour legislation. This resulted in the family being removed from their residential property located on-site.
Following the declaration of bankruptcy of the operating companies, JUWC collaborated with the Insolvency Service to recover assets. This included the seizure of land transferred between family members, eviction from the residential property, and the subsequent sale of the land and the house.
This operation demonstrates a highly effective multi-agency approach, combining regulatory, criminal, and financial powers to achieve a long-term resolution to a complex and entrenched problem.
Main outcomes:
- prosecution files submitted
- recovery of proceeds from the destruction of skips and vehicles
- repossession and sale of residential property associated with criminal activity
- ongoing consideration of Section 22 Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)
- joint working with HMRC to recover a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan obtained by a company prevented from dissolution
Offences identified:
- operating a regulated facility without the required environmental permit, contrary to Sections 12 and 38 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
- depositing, disposing of, and transporting controlled waste unlawfully, contrary to Sections 33(1)(a), 33(1)(c), 33(5), and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
Agencies involved:
- Joint Unit for Waste Crime
- Environment Agency
- Police
- Fire and Rescue Service
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
- Borough Council
- County Council
- Insolvency Service
- HMRC
- RSPCA
- Defra
