Environment Agency arrest three for fraudulent export claims
Ongoing investigation into false claims for Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs) leads to further apprehensions by the EA
Officers instigated raids following an investigation into the fabrication of recycling paperwork. They detained a 59-year-old man and 42-year old man at a property in Bolton, as well as a 21-year-old woman at a property in Chorley.
The suspects are believed to be involved in falsely claiming packaging export recovery notes (PERNs) to commit export fraud. PERNs are generated when an accredited exporter sends packaging waste abroad. Obligated producers are required under regulations to buy PERN credits as evidence of compliance and to generate financial incentive for the collection and export of waste.
Due to the monetary value of the PERNs, criminal gangs can falsify documents and use them to engage in high value fraud and money laundering. This undermines the efforts of legitimate businesses and results in illegal waste being exported and dumped.
The three suspects have been released after interviews, and the evidence gathered during the arrests will support future action.
DCI Chris Maddocks from the NWROCU's Economic Crime Team commented: “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. We will continue to ensure that organised criminal activity in this space is identified and disrupted at every level.”
The crackdown on export fraud continues
Last year, the EA opened a new Economic Crime Unit to aid in tackling money laundering and carrying out financial investigations in the waste sector. 17 individuals were arrested for fraud and money laundering in connection with PERN fraud. Account Freezing Orders successfully seized £665,000 from criminals’ bank accounts.
In March 2025, the EA and the NWROCU also collaborated to arrest two men arrested in Manchester in relation to the illegal sale of PERNs worth £747,000, alongside a further two men from London in May.
The EA have previously collaborated internationally to fight waste export fraud abroad. Last summer, EA investigators were deployed to Vilnius, Lithuania, to collect evidence as part of an investigation in collaboration with the Lithuanian Department of Environmental Protection.
Lauren Pigg, Deputy Director for Environmental Markets and Regulation at the Environment Agency, commented, “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.”
If a member of the public has any information that may assist with this investigation, Defra encourages them to call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060. They can also report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or their website.
