The document also examines the methods used by criminal groups and companies involved in this illegal business.
Shortcomings in legislation and limited resources for law enforcement allow criminals to reap high profits while remaining outside the law.
"The study shows that detecting illegal waste trafficking and investigating related cases remain extremely challenging tasks," noted UNODC representative Candice Welsh.
Global Threat
It is noted that criminal organizations are involved in waste-related crimes worldwide – from local violations to complex intercontinental schemes. Corporations are also actively involved in this process: some companies ignore established norms, others pay for illegal services, and some combine legal and illegal activities.Analysis shows that both organized crime groups and companies use corruption to conceal illegal waste within legal streams, circumventing inspections through fraudulent schemes, including document forgery and theft.
"Penalties for illegal waste trade are often minimal, while profits can be quite significant. Moreover, the cost of illegal disposal of toxic waste is lower than legal disposal services, creating financial incentives for committing offenses," experts point out.
The lack of uniform sanctions across different countries allows violators to "choose convenient jurisdictions" with less stringent regulatory measures and penalties.
The study also indicates that while illegal dumping, incineration, and transportation of waste occur worldwide, the least valuable and hardest to dispose of waste is moved from high-income regions to low-income countries.
As waste is directed to countries struggling with environmentally safe management, this poses serious threats to public health and ecosystems.
UNODC emphasizes the importance of improving information sharing and coordinating sanction policies for more effective tracking and holding violators accountable.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: who.int.
