The report details the methods used by criminal groups and companies to participate in this illegal market.
Gaps in legislation and the ineffectiveness of law enforcement create conditions under which criminals can profit without punishment.
"Our study highlights that detecting illegal waste trafficking and investigating related cases remain extremely challenging tasks," noted UNODC representative Candice Welsh.
Global Threat
It is noted that criminal organizations are involved in illegal waste operations on a global scale—from local activities to large intercontinental schemes. Corporations also play a significant role in this process: some companies ignore legal requirements, others pay for illegal services, and some combine legal and illegal activities.Analysis shows that both organized crime groups and business structures use corruption to conceal illegal waste within legal streams, resorting to deceptive schemes. Such schemes include document forgery, extortion, theft, abuse of power, and money laundering.
"Penalties for illegal waste trafficking are often minimal, while profits can be substantial. Moreover, the cost of illegal disposal of toxic waste is significantly lower than legal disposal services. This creates financial incentives for committing offenses in this area," emphasize UNODC.
The lack of uniform sanctions across different countries makes it easier for offenders to "find a convenient jurisdiction"—countries with minimal requirements and light penalties.
The study indicates that while illegal dumping, burning, and transportation of waste occur worldwide, the least valuable and most difficult-to-dispose-of waste is moved from wealthy regions to poorer ones. Sending waste to countries where there are no facilities for safe handling creates serious risks for human health and the environment.
The Office emphasizes that effective cooperation in information exchange and coordination of sanction policies will help improve monitoring of illegal waste flows and hold offenders accountable.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: who.int.
