In a significant blow to organised environmental crime, three businesses in West Mercia have been ordered to forfeit over £275,000 in connection with illegal waste activities. The vast majority of the sum (£258,000) relates to assets identified as proceeds of crime, while £17,000 is earmarked for confiscation under Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 provisions.
West Mercia Police's extensive inquiry into the matter has spanned multiple counties, including Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. The operation has seen significant developments since two men were arrested in January at an address in Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire. At the time of their arrest, officers seized six firearms and approximately £18,000 in cash. Further searches at a farm in Peopleton, also in Worcestershire, revealed electrical goods suspected of being linked to money laundering, a further £60,000 in cash, and a suspected stolen car.
West Mercia Police has confirmed that the inquiry remains active, with ongoing investigations into money laundering. The force highlighted the complexity of the case and the number of suspects involved as reasons for the continued progress of the inquiry.
The Environment Agency is also involved in the investigation, having taken action at several sites within Worcestershire. A spokesperson for the agency affirmed that these sites remain central to ongoing criminal investigations, with robust enforcement action to be pursued against those found responsible for environmental crime.