Tenerife, Spain – Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network responsible for the illegal export of nearly 650 tons of hazardous waste from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to various African countries.

The operation, conducted by the Civil Guard and the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency, involves 32 individuals and four companies from Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Mallorca. They are under investigation for crimes against natural resources and the environment.

Officials from the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) and Customs officers discovered a continuous movement of containers carrying hazardous waste by sea. The group concealed its activity using false invoices, making it appear that the waste had been decontaminated.

The shipments included electronic and electrical waste, such as illegally removed motors and compressors from discarded refrigeration units, posing serious risks to human health and the environment. Other items included vehicle parts, approximately 38 tons of fire extinguishers, and numerous cars, vans, and trucks exported with falsified documents as second-hand merchandise.

In total, the network transported about 650 tons of hazardous waste and 86 tons of non-hazardous waste, with a combined estimated value of 800,000 euros.

The criminal structure was led by five individuals with distinct roles. Two residents of Gran Canaria managed the documentation and logistics, while three residents of Tenerife oversaw the shipping and secured legal or falsified paperwork. Multiple businesses issued invoices under third-party names to create the appearance of compliance.

Under Spanish law, the illegal transfer of waste carries penalties of three months to one year in prison, fines of six to eighteen months, and possible professional disqualification. Authorities emphasize that controlling cross-border hazardous waste is crucial to protect public health and the environment, in line with international agreements such as the Basel Convention.

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