In a significant blow to environmental crime, law enforcement agencies from France and Spain, supported by Europol, have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in the sale of illegal plant protection products. The operation led to the arrest of 29 individuals and the seizure of 26 tonnes of unauthorised pesticides worth over EUR 5 million.
A Sophisticated Criminal Enterprise
The investigation revealed that the gang had been operating since 2020, exploiting legitimate business structures to coordinate an illicit supply chain spanning Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Their modus operandi included falsifying documents to disguise illegal pesticides as fertilizers or motor oils, making it easier to smuggle them into the market undetected. Containers of these hazardous substances were often camouflaged, while transactions were conducted through foreign banks to obscure their origins.
Members of the criminal organisation played specific roles within the syndicate, ensuring its operations ran smoothly despite their illicit nature. This level of organisation posed a significant challenge for investigators, who described the case as one of the most complex they had encountered in recent years.
Two-Phase Operation Yields Impressive Results
Led by Spain’s Guardia Civil, the investigation unfolded in two phases between June 2024 and January 2025. During this period, French authorities collaborated closely with their Spanish counterparts in the first phase, followed by Italian authorities joining efforts in the second phase.
Key outcomes of the operation include:
- 29 arrests: 22 suspects were detained during the initial phase, with seven more apprehended later.
- 26 tonnes of illegal pesticides seized.
- 14 bank accounts frozen.
- Criminal assets worth EUR 350,000 frozen.
These figures underscore the scale of the criminal enterprise’s activities and highlight the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
Environmental Crime: A Growing Concern
This case sheds light on a worrying trend in environmental crime—the use of coordinated structures and illicit supply chains to distribute unauthorised products. Many of the seized pesticides were either expired, lacked necessary authorisation, or were entirely unregistered. Such products pose serious risks not only to human health but also to ecosystems, water sources, and agricultural sustainability.
According to Europol, more than 85% of criminal organisations exploit legal businesses to transport illicit goods, expand their influence, and launder profits. This issue is pervasive across all EU Member States and other global regions, necessitating urgent action at both national and international levels.
Europol’s Crucial Role
Europol played a pivotal role in the success of the operation by providing analytical support and facilitating seamless information exchange among national authorities. Experts from Europol’s environmental crime unit worked tirelessly to help piece together the intricate web of evidence linking the suspects to their illegal activities.
“Environmental crimes are increasingly becoming a priority for law enforcement due to their far-reaching consequences,” said an Europol spokesperson. “By targeting high-value targets through integrated approaches and operational task forces, we aim to disrupt these networks and prevent further harm.”
Authorities Collaborate Across Borders
The investigation brought together multiple agencies from three countries, showcasing the power of cross-border collaboration:
- France: L’Office Central de Lutte Contre les Atteintes à l’Environnement et à la Santé Publique (OCLAESP), part of the French Gendarmerie.
- Italy: Carabinieri – Health Protection Command (Comando Tutela della Salute).
- Spain: Spanish Guardia Civil.
Their joint efforts demonstrate how pooling resources, expertise, and intelligence can effectively dismantle even the most entrenched criminal networks.
A Warning to Legitimate Businesses
The exploitation of legal businesses by criminal organisations serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within global supply chains. Regulatory bodies, private sector stakeholders, and law enforcement must work hand-in-hand to close loopholes and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
As environmental concerns continue to rise globally, operations like this send a clear message: those who flout regulations and endanger public health and the environment will face swift and decisive justice.
Looking Ahead
While this operation marks a significant victory against environmental crime, authorities remain vigilant. With new trends emerging and criminal networks evolving, ongoing collaboration and innovation will be essential to stay ahead of threats. For now, however, the dismantling of this major criminal ring stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite under a common cause—to protect people and the planet.
The members of the gang were involved in environmental crime, money laundering and document fraud. They exploited business structures and coordinated a supply chain for illegal plant protection products based in Italy, Portugal and Spain since 2020.The investigation was led by Spain (Guardia Civil). Given the complexity of the criminal network, the police operation was carried out in two phases:…
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First published in this link of The European Times.
