OLAF helps to stop illegal export of hazardous industrial waste from Albania

Press release no 4/2026
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The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has supported Albanian authorities in uncovering and stopping the illegal export of hazardous industrial waste from the port of Durrës, Albania to Thailand, highlighting the growing global threat posed by illegal waste trafficking.

The investigation began in 2024 when OLAF alerted the Albanian customs authorities to a shipment suspected of containing large quantities of misdeclared hazardous waste. Export documents described the cargo as iron oxide. However, subsequent laboratory analysis later established that the cargo, in fact contained a toxic by-product of steel production.

While iron oxide is widely used in legitimate industrial applications - such as construction materials and metallurgy - and is generally considered non-hazardous when properly handled, certain steelmaking residues are classified as hazardous materials as they often contain elevated concentrations of heavy metals. If improperly managed or disposed of, they pose serious risks to health and the environment, including soil and groundwater contamination and long-term toxic exposure for nearby communities. This was the case with the shipment identified.

Working closely with the Albanian Customs Investigation Directorate, OLAF helped coordinate operational actions that prevented the hazardous waste from being disposed of unlawfully abroad. OLAF further supported the investigation by organising and participating in several operational meetings with the Albanian Customs Investigation Directorate and the Durrës Prosecution Office, facilitating exchanges that proved key to advancing the case.

The cooperation led to the interception of the shipment and its ultimate return to its country of origin. It also supported national proceedings that resulted in the issuance of 33 arrest warrants, including customs agents and employees of the National Environment Agency. You can read more about the case in the press release of the Albanian General Prosecution Office.

Director-General of OLAF Petr Klement said: "This case demonstrates how close cooperation between OLAF and partner authorities in the EU and beyond help protect the environment, safeguard public health and ensure that citizens are better protected from serious risks posed by illegal waste trafficking. Sincere congratulations to the Albanian authorities for having conducted and concluded such a complex investigation."

Misdeclaration or hazardous waste remains one of the most common methods used it illegal waste trafficking. By falsely labelling toxic residues as non-hazardous substances, operators seek to bypass export controls, environmental regulations and higher treatment or disposal costs within the European Union. This practice not only undermines fair competition but also shift environmental and health risks to destination countries.

Background

OLAF plays a key role in supporting national authorities in the fight against illegal waste trafficking by detecting risks, sharing intelligence, and facilitating cross-border cooperation, including with partners outside the European Union. Given the complex and transnational nature of illegal waste shipments, OLAF's involvement helps ensure that customs, environmental and judicial authorities can act swiftly and in a coordinated manner to prevent environmental damage and protect public health.

Under the new EU Regulation on waste shipments, which strengthens controls, traceability and enforcement across the waste shipment chain, OLAF's role in analysing data, identifying fraud patterns and supporting coordinated operational actions is expected to become even more important. Enhanced information exchange and closer cooperation between EU institutions and national authorities will further reinforce the EU's capacity to prevent illegal exports of hazardous waste and to ensure that waste is managed safely and in line with EU and international rules.

OLAF mission, mandate and competences:

OLAF's mission is to detect, investigate and stop wrongdoings related to EU funds.

OLAF fulfils its mission by:

• carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers' money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
• contributing to strengthening citizens' trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
• developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:

• all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
• some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
• suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF's recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

For further details:

Pierluigi CATERINO
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335
Email: olaf-mediaec[dot] europa[dot] eu(olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
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