OLAF’s intelligence leads to the interception of 12,000 kg of illicit F-gases in the southeast of Spain

Press release no. 28/2025
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Intelligence provided by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has led to a seizure of 12,000 kg of illegal F-gases in the southeast of Spain. The Spanish authorities, acting on information provided by OLAF, confiscated a truck with cylinders, valued at approximately 413,000 EUR, in the Spanish province of Alicante.

The illicit shipment was intercepted before it could be delivered to unauthorised companies and persons in Spain. OLAF had been closely monitoring the international traffic of F-gases (fluorinated greenhouse gases) to the EU from third countries.

The intelligence shared with the Customs Surveillance Service of the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) highlighted a suspicious movement of F-gases bound for Africa.

The Spanish authorities were able to intercept the truck containing the F-gases in a warehouse in Alicante, where cylinders of refrigerant gas were being unloaded with the aim of storing and later distribution using smaller rental vans.

The investigation, carried out by operational units of Catalonia, Valencia and Alicante of the Customs Surveillance Service of the AEAT, remains open.

F-gases and environmental concerns

F-gases are subject to strict quotas and a phased reduction under EU environmental regulations due to their significant impact on global warming. The seized shipment originated from outside the EU, and OLAF, in partnership with national authorities, is working to disrupt illegal networks trafficking these potent greenhouse gases into Europe.

As the EU enforces increasingly stringent rules on F-gas usage and importation, the black market for these gases has expanded. Devices such as air conditioners and industrial refrigeration systems, which rely on F-gases, are fuelling this illegal trade. OLAF remains at the forefront of efforts to protect the EU's environmental integrity by cracking down on illegal F-gas trafficking.

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, corruption and irregularities 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 irregularities 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 CATERINOSpokespersonEuropean 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.euLinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)X: x.com/EUAntiFraudBluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social