Cornwall Resident Detained in Major Environment Agency Waste Crime Bust

A man in his twenties has been apprehended today, Wednesday 5 August 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Environment Agency into illegal waste activities at a site located near Camborne, Cornwall.

This operation is being conducted in conjunction with Cornwall Council, which is also probing offences at a separate location in the region.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police collaborated with the Environment Agency and Cornwall Council to execute the arrest of the individual, who is suspected of committing environmental offences.

Commitment to Environmental Protection

Tim de Winton, Area Environment Manager, remarked, “Our teams have been working tirelessly in our investigation into activities at this site. This arrest is a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing matters further.”

He emphasised the commitment to enforcing laws aimed at safeguarding both communities and the environment, stating, “We will take tough action against those who flout the laws designed to protect communities and the environment.”

The arrest underscores the commitment to the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan and the Environment Agency’s 10 Point Plan, which advocates a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. This includes implementing stricter enforcement measures and empowering regulators with the necessary tools to combat such activities effectively.

How to Report Waste Crime

Members of the public who possess any information regarding waste-related offences are encouraged to report their findings to the Environment Agency. They can do so via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Background on Previous Actions

In a previous intervention, the Environment Agency took decisive action to halt large-scale waste deposits at the Camborne site. This included the issuance of Illegal Waste Stop Letters directed at the landowner, hauliers, and operators involved.

The site in question is estimated to contain around 50,000 tonnes of predominantly inert construction waste, highlighting the scale of the alleged illegal activities being investigated.