Australian law enforcement participated in a global investigation into waste and pollution which uncovered 389 tonnes of fluorinated greenhouse gases.
The international operation involving 71 countries targeted organised crime networks on five continents.
It took place between January and December 2025 and was led by Europol.
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.
During the operation, the participants conducted 1, 048 inspections globally, leading to the arrest of 337 individuals.
In total, the seizures included:
- 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.
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.
The operation also uncovered an increased illicit trade in FGas originating from Asia and entering the EU through its Western borders or via North Africa.
Europol said environmental crime is a growing threat often linked to document fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Countries involved in the steering group established for the investigation included Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America