Justice Department Assists with Global Operation Targeting Environmental Crime and Waste Trafficking

The Justice Department announced a recently concluded large-scale international operation targeting organized crime networks involved in waste and pollution crime. The global operation code-named Custos Viridis, took place between January and December 2025 on five continents, and was led by Europol working alongside partners from 71 countries and international organizations including the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is the largest-ever global law enforcement operation focusing exclusively on pollution and waste crime.