48 tonnes of F-gas seized in Spanish raids

SPAIN: Authorities in Spain claim to have dismantled a criminal group said to be responsible for the illicit marketing of fluorinated gases.

A joint operation involving the customs surveillance officers and the national police carried out 11 raids in Alicante, Valencia and Madrid, and seized 4,781 cylinders containing 48,515kg of F-gases. The market value of the seized material has been estimated at approximately €3m.

So far, five people have been arrested as alleged perpetrators of crimes against the environment, smuggling, fraud and belonging to a criminal group. 

The criminal network is said to have been operating in Spain since 2023. The nine companies involved were said to be dedicated to introducing fluorinated gases into the Spanish and international market without the corresponding authorisation or environmental or fiscal control. Although the refrigerants involved were not revealed by the police, the haul is said to have included gases that are not currently permitted.

The investigation remains open, and further inspections or arrests have not been ruled out.

The investigation has also revealed significant financial transactions linked to the criminal network, with economic operations exceeding €10m. Currently, the possible commission of other illegal acts such as money laundering or tax evasion is being analysed.