ESG Enforcement Tracker

Key facts:

Three individuals were arrested in July 2025 relating to an investigation into alleged paper recycling fraud.

Packaging Producer Responsibility Regulations (PPRR) place obligations on producers of waste packaging to contribute to financial and environmental costs of waste. Under the PPRR, certain businesses are required to demonstrate they have made such contributions by purchasing Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs). As the PERNs have monetary value, some organised crime groups use this as an opportunity to engage in fraud and money laundering.

Following arrest and interview, the three suspects were released pending ongoing investigation.

The investigation demonstrates a collaborative effort by the Environmental Agency and the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit to prevent criminal, financial and environmental harms.