Three businesses under investigation by police over illegal waste activity have forfeited a total of more than £275,000. West Mercia Police said additional crimes had been identified in its investigation across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
The force added that more assets were under review and a money laundering investigation was still active.
The investigation developed after two men were arrested at an address in Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, in January. Six firearms were seized at that location, along with about £18,000 in cash.
Another location involved in the investigation was a farm in Peopleton, Worcestershire, where electrical goods suspected to be linked to money laundering were found. Officers also recovered about £60,000 in cash and a suspected stolen car.
A police spokesperson said the investigation was still in progress due to
"its complexity and the number of suspects involved".
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it had
"already taken action at several sites"in Worcestershire.
"These sites remain part of ongoing criminal investigations and where we find evidence of criminal activity, we will take robust enforcement action against those responsible,"they said.
What has happened in the investigation?
Three businesses being investigated by West Mercia Police have forfeited more than £275,000 as part of inquiries into illegal waste activity. The force said the case has also uncovered additional crimes across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
What did officers find at Drakes Broughton?
At an address in Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, where two men were arrested in January, officers seized six firearms and about £18,000 in cash.
What was found at Peopleton?
At a farm in Peopleton, Worcestershire, officers found electrical goods suspected to be linked to money laundering. They also recovered about £60,000 in cash and a suspected stolen car.
How is the investigation progressing?
West Mercia Police said more assets are under review and that a money laundering investigation remains active. A police spokesperson said the work is continuing because of
"its complexity and the number of suspects involved".
What has the Environment Agency said?
The Environment Agency said it had
"already taken action at several sites"in Worcestershire. It said the sites remain part of ongoing criminal investigations and that it will take robust enforcement action where evidence of criminal activity is found.
Key Facts
- Three businesses have forfeited a total of more than £275,000.
- West Mercia Police is investigating illegal waste activity across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
- Two men were arrested in Drakes Broughton in January.
- Six firearms, about £18,000 in cash, about £60,000 in cash and a suspected stolen car were recovered.
- The Environment Agency said it had already taken action at several sites in Worcestershire.
