In 2022, Europol and Interpol seized over 16,000 tons of illegal waste from European ports, exposing the scale of waste trafficking.
Malaysia alone receives over 2 million tons of plastic waste annually from Europe, making it the worlds largest importer of plastic waste.
Improper waste disposal in Southeast Asia has led to widespread contamination of soil, water, and air, posing significant health risks to local communities.
The illegal waste trade is estimated to generate billions of euros annually, fueling organized crime networks and corrupting officials.
Many Southeast Asian countries lack adequate laws and enforcement mechanisms to combat waste trafficking, creating a haven for criminals.