Bogus tyre disposal operation nets $50k in 10 days

S : Scams and Fraud The EPA says the group used false credentials to collect waste tyres while posing as legitimate registered controlled waste transporters. (Supplied: Environmental Protection Authority Tasmania) Investigators located six shipping containers filled with waste tyres, four in Bridgewater and two in Launceston. (Supplied: Environmental Protection Authority Tasmania) Investigators uncovered a tyre network that had been operating in various Australian states over recent years, using rented vehicles, short-term shipping container leases and false credentials to collect the waste tyres. In June, six shipping containers filled with waste tyres, four in Bridgewater and two in Launceston, were located, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 tyres having been collected and stored across the state. The EPA said the investigation resulted in enforcement action against one operator, with warning notices issued to "retailers who should reasonably have recognised and acted on suspicious activity." Evidence gathered across the investigation included alleged breaches of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations 2020 and potential fraud offences. EPA chief executive and director Catherine Murdoch said the investigation would assist other jurisdictions in tackling the unlawful activity. "The EPA undertook its largest proactive industry-targeting exercise in response to organised environmental crime to date. "Waste crime can have significant financial and environmental consequences for local businesses and the wider community.  "This investigation shows how important it is to identify suspicious activity early and take action before it becomes more established," she said.