EA secures largest ever Proceeds of Crime Act ruling

Environmental update 08/08/2011

In the largest Proceeds of Crime Act ruling to date, the Environment Agency (EA) has prosecuted the boss of an illegal waste firm.

Slough-based Amrik Johal was convicted for running an illegal waste operation on land owned he owned in Colnbrook, Slough. The site was being used as an illegal waste transfer station and scrap metal yard and was found to be impacting negatively on local residents.

Incidents including dogs barking, cars being crushed and floodlights being shone into residents' homes late at night.

EA officers visited the site numerous times between 2006 and 2007 and informed Johal that he did not have permission to be running the waste operation. He had also been convicted previously on similar waste charges.

Johal was ordered to repay more than £881,513 under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) following the trial at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court. He was warned that he faces a jail term of up to five years if he does not pay up within six months, and was also given a two year community order.

Morgan Lound, environment crime officer said, “Mr Johal was aware that he was acting illegally. His illegal activities were harmful to the environment, undermined legitimate business and have caused distress to local residents for many years.

“We are particularly satisfied with the confiscation order of £881,513 ... because the Environment Agency wants to make sure that serious waste crime doesn’t pay,” Mr Lound added.

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