Global crackdown on environmental crime leads to 337 arrests with Dutch leadership
A year-long international operation against organised environmental crime, co-led by the Netherlands, has resulted in 337 arrests for illegal waste transport and dumping. The crackdown targeted criminal networks across five continents, impacting communities affected by pollution and illegal waste trade.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Duration | January – December 2025 |
| Arrests | 337 individuals |
| Scope | 71 countries across five continents |
| Dutch Role | Co-led by ILT-IOD (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) |
| Partners | Europol, Interpol, UNODC, World Customs Organization (WCO) |
| Crime Focus | Illegal waste transport and dumping |
The ILT-IOD (Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) is responsible for enforcing environmental and transport regulations in the Netherlands. Its involvement in this operation highlights its role in combating cross-border environmental crimes through international collaboration.
Stay awake! ☕
Government news can be dry sometimes. Luckily your coffee keeps us awake.
Read the full translated article below
ILT-IOD plays key role in Europol operation against organised environmental crime
The Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT-IOD) played an active role in a major international operation led by Europol against organised environmental crime, resulting in the arrest of 337 people for illegal waste transport and dumping.
The Netherlands was represented in the steering group of this international operation by the ILT-IOD, meaning the Netherlands was one of the countries leading the initiative. This allowed the ILT-IOD not only to contribute to the execution but also to the international coordination of the approach. The operation’s goal was to disrupt criminal networks involved in environmental crime.
The operation took place between January and December 2025 and was carried out across five continents. It involved partners from 71 countries and various international organisations, including Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The ILT-IOD continues to work with European and international partners to take a strong stance against criminal networks that profit at the expense of people and the environment.