An investigation into illegal trade in recycling-export paperwork has secured the arrests of two men on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.
The joint probe by the Environment Agency and North West Regional Organised Crime Unit found packaging export notes had been unlawfully sold for £747,000.
A 45-year-old man was arrested at a property in Rusholme, Manchester, while a 43-year-old man was detained in the Stretford district of the same city.
Both have now been interviewed and released on bail.
Vernon Smith, acting deputy director for environmental markets and regulation at the Environment Agency, said: “Fraud in the recycling industry is waste crime.
“It undercuts legitimate businesses investing in growth in the circular economy, impacting the environment we are striving to protect.”
Detective chief inspector Zoe Russo from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit added: “We are committed to working with our partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in waste crime and other illegal activities.
“The evidence collected will be crucial in ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”
