Four people were arrested this April in connection with an investigation into waste offences, fraud and money laundering at three homes in Yorkshire.
The raids took place on 4 April in joint enforcement action involving the Environment Agency, Joint Unit for Waste Crime and Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Four people were arrested in connection with the investigation, and evidence including digital devices were seized.
The arrests relate to two ongoing investigations being carried out by the Environment Agency and Joint Unit for Waste Crime into fraud, money laundering and offences under the producer responsibility regulations.
Producer responsibility is about making sure businesses that manufacture, import and sell products such as electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and scrap vehicles are responsible for their end-of-life environmental impact.
Anyone defrauding the system and receiving financial benefit are taking money away from legitimate businesses and funding that should be invested in improving the UK's recycling infrastructure.
As of 12 April enquiries indicated that the fraud suspected by the individuals and companies under investigation has resulted in a multi-million pound financial benefit. The investigations will continue with the evidence seized.
Emma Viner, Enforcement & Investigations Manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We are thoroughly following and interrogating the evidence gathered during the raids to progress our ongoing investigation".
"Enquiries of this nature are complex and the financial benefit can be substantial. Our overall aim is to bring those involved to justice and remove the financial benefit made through committing crime".
Waste crime causes damage to the environment and communities, and undermines legitimate businesses. Investigating these crimes remains a priority for the Environment Agency and its partners, using all investigatory tools available.
Detective Chief Inspector Al Burns of the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: "We're committed to working with our partner agencies to effectively investigate and relentlessly disrupt criminal activity. By working together, we can utilise our collective knowledge, experience and powers".
