GNR deteve 16 suspeitos de crimes ambientais com lamas de ETAR e de indústrias

The GNR has arrested 16 suspects linked to an alleged scheme involving the illegal disposal of sludge from wastewater treatment plants onto agricultural and forest lands. The investigation, which lasted about two years, led to 36 search warrants and uncovered evidence of pollution, document forgery, and organized crime. Authorities seized over 279,000 euros, luxury watches, and numerous documents. The sludge was misrepresented as organic compost to disguise its illegal use. This operation, named Cloaca Máxima, aimed to gather evidence and clarify the financial and operational circuits involved. The detainees will face judicial proceedings in Guimarães.