The Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal group in Cehegín involved in the illegal management of toxic and hazardous waste, particularly asbestos-containing fibrocement. Six individuals are under investigation for crimes related to organized crime, environmental violations, and endangering workers’ rights.
The investigation, known as Operation Atalayas, began following a citizen tip-off about suspicious waste management activities. Authorities discovered that 50 tons of asbestos waste had been illegally removed and buried in a rural area.
SEPRONA (the Environmental Protection Unit) conducted inspections at both the illegal dumping site and a warehouse where asbestos was initially stored. Samples confirmed the presence of banned asbestos materials. Officials also found that waste removal was carried out by unauthorized workers without safety measures.
Three company owners and three former employees now face legal charges. The clandestine landfill has been sealed off, and further legal action is expected.
