The Hague, 11 March 2026
Europol has successfully coordinated a large-scale operation targeting organised crime networks involved in waste and pollution crime. The global operation, code-named ‘Custos Viridis’, took place between January and December 2025 on five continents, with Europol working alongside partners from 71 countries and numerous international organisations.
The participants’ aim was to significantly disrupt criminal networks engaged in environmental crime, waste trafficking, pollution, money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption, thus protecting societies and the environment from serious risks. Starting with an intelligence phase between January to June 2025, the operational phase took place from July to December 2025.
Large amounts of harmful substances seized
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During the operation, the participants conducted 1 048 inspections globally, leading to the arrest of 337 individuals.
In total, the seizures include:
- 127 149 tonnes of waste
- 602 tonnes of polluting agents, including 398 tonnes of fluorinated greenhouse gases (FGas)
- 75 tonnes of plant protection products
- 2.3 tonnes of mercury
- nearly EUR 10 million in cash and bank accounts
- key evidence, 130 vehicles, heavy machinery, firearms, apartments, and companies.
Investigators estimate that the commercial value of the illicit FGas trade alone can range from EUR 15 million to EUR 20 million depending on the final destination of the illicit goods. The seized waste types, which could generate illicit profits of at least EUR 31 million, include various types of hazardous waste. Seizures comprise End-of-Life Vehicles (EoLV), scrap metal, plastics, used solar panels, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), tyres, and textile waste.
Organised crime networks identified
Several organised crime networks were identified as responsible for trafficking illicit waste within Europe and exporting waste to Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Among other offenses, these networks were also found to be involved in the illicit marketing of FGas, the illegal trade of plant protection products, and illicit gold mining activities using hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide.
New trends and phenomena
Investigations revealed various modi operandi, including intra-EU illicit waste trafficking, abuse of legal loopholes, document fraud, and non-compliance with waste codes. The operation also uncovered increased illicit trade in FGas originating from Asia and entering the EU through its Western borders or via North Africa. Additionally, various waste flows and geographically predominant modi operandi were identified:
- Into the EU: Illegal FGas trade from Asia, entering through Western Europe or via North Africa, abusing transit procedures.
- From the EU: Illegal export of EoLV, textile, and WEEE waste to Asia, Africa, and South America for financial gain.
- Latin America: Illicit trade of plant protection products impacting EU markets and health.
- Africa and Latin America: Illegal gold mining using mercury and cyanide, harming local populations and the environment.
Operation Custos Viridis highlighted the global and flexible nature of environmental crime networks, who show little regard for the environment and society, both of which are significantly impacted by these crimes.
The illegal trafficking and dumping of hazardous waste and polluting substances have severe environmental consequences, including long-term pollution of soil and water. Seizures of mercury highlight the link between environmental crime and illegal gold mining activities, with remediation costs potentially exceeding dozens of millions of euros.
Europol’s contribution
Europol’s experts on environmental crime coordinated this global effort, with support from a steering group comprising several countries and international organisations. A coordination hub was established to share real-time intelligence, connect cross-border leads, and identify key actors in the networks. Europol specialists provided on-the-ground and remote support to national teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling environmental, financial, and document fraud aspects of the case.
As highlighted in the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2025 (EU-SOCTA), environmental crime is a growing threat, often linked with document fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Europol and global authorities are committed to stepping up joint operations, improving data sharing, and strengthening specialist units to combat these crimes effectively. Operation Custos Viridis sends a clear message: exploiting the environment for profit will not go unpunished.
Custos Viridis steering group
- Countries: Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Organisations and entities: Europol, INTERPOL, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World Customs Organization (WCO)
Custos Viridis participants:
Empact
The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities.
Source – Europol
