Three businesses are under investigation for illegal waste activity, and have collectively forfeited more than £275,000 to West Mercia Police. The investigation, which spans Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire, has identified additional criminal offenses.
Police reported that more assets are currently under review, and a money laundering investigation remains active. The probe intensified in January with the arrest of two men at a property in Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire. During that operation, officers seized six firearms and approximately £18,000 in cash. Another location linked to the investigation, a farm in Peopleton, Worcestershire, yielded electrical goods suspected to be connected to money laundering activities, along with around £60,000 in cash and a vehicle believed to be stolen.
The complexity of the case and the number of individuals involved are contributing to its ongoing nature, according to a police spokesperson.
The Environment Agency has also taken action at several sites in Worcestershire. A spokesperson stated that these locations are part of ongoing criminal investigations, and enforcement action will be pursued against those found to be involved in criminal activity.