The Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT-IOD) on Thursday, under the authority of the Public Prosecution Service (OM), requested data from Tata Steel. This was done in the context of the ongoing criminal investigation into Tata Steel. The investigation service has completed part of the investigation. That file is now under review by the Functional Public Prosecutors Office (FP).
On Thursday, March 12, the Tata Steel site was visited by the ILT-IOD investigation team and the OM. Administrative data was requested from Tata Steel. Tata Steel cooperated with the execution of the request. This data will now be further examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Part of the investigation file to OM
The criminal investigation into Tata Steel, which has been ongoing for some time, is extensive, technical in nature, and legally complex. Many investigative actions have been carried out, including a previous visit to the company for an inspection of the site. A large part of the investigation has now been completed. As part of the progress of the criminal investigation, that part of the investigation file has now been transferred by the ILT-IOD to the OM. The OM can now review this part of the file and make a decision about further prosecution and its scope.
Meanwhile, the ILT-IOD continues the criminal investigation. This includes further investigation of the role of involved natural persons. It is not yet clear when this last part of the criminal investigation will be completed. It is in the interest of all involved that this is done promptly but, above all, carefully.
About the criminal investigation
The ILT-IOD, under the leadership of the FP and with important input from the police and DCMR Environmental Service Rijnmond, conducts a criminal investigation into the steel production process and the operation of Tata Steels coke gas plants. The investigation focuses on whether the company can be blamed for intentionally and unlawfully releasing harmful substances into the soil, air, or surface water, potentially endangering human health. The investigation was initiated following a report filed by Ms. Bénédicte Ficq on behalf of over 800 local residents.
ILT-IOD investigations
The ILT-IOD conducts criminal investigations into organized environmental crime under the authority of the Functional Public Prosecutors Office. These often involve international constructions and trade flows that, without intervention, lead to irreparable damage to people, the environment, and society.
The environment does not file reports. Therefore, information from citizens and companies is crucial. If you suspect environmental crime, report it to the ILT-IOD via 070-456 6523 or iod.infodesk@ilent.nl. Anonymous reports can be made by phone via the Criminal Intelligence team (TCI) 070-456 4577.