Greater Manchester duo arrested in connection with illegal waste dumping
Two men were arrested on 20 January 2026 as part of an ongoing Environment Agency investigation
Two men from Greater Manchester have been arrested on suspicion of illegally dumping waste across England.
The arrests were made on 20th January 2026 following a joint operation by the Environment Agency and North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
The men, aged 44 and 49, are from Sale and Rochdale.
They were arrested as part of an investigation into waste crime, fraud, and money laundering.
The ongoing investigation
The arrests contribute to a large-scale investigation by the Environment Agency, which has already seen five other individuals arrested across the country.
Following interviews, the two men have been released pending further investigation. Evidence gathered during the operation will support actions moving forward.
Emma Viner, Enforcement and Investigations Manager at the Environment Agency, said the arrests send a strong message to those involved in waste crimes.
“These arrests send a simple message to waste criminals – we will stop you.
“With local police forces, we have been working non-stop to progress our investigation and bring an end to this inexcusable criminal activity.”
Collaborative efforts
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild from NWROCU's Operations Team emphasised the importance of collaboration between enforcement agencies.
“This investigation demonstrates how vital it is for enforcement agencies and regulators to work side by side.
"We will continue to support organisations like the Environment Agency as they pursue those responsible for waste crime, fraud, and money laundering. Criminal networks operating in this area can expect to be uncovered, disrupted, and prevented from causing further harm."
Fighting waste crime
The Environment Agency launched a new Economic Crime Unit in 2024 to combat money laundering and conduct financial investigations within the waste sector.
These arrests mark another significant step towards tackling illegal practices and ensuring compliance within waste management.
Anyone with information that could assist this investigation is urged to contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the Crimestoppers website.