Based on evidence, agents believe the suspects were responsible for defrauding approximately $16.1 million from the CRV fund over the past three years.
California is committed to protecting the integrity of its recycling program
In a statement, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said, “California’s recycling program is one of many publicly-funded programs used to incentivize better treatment of our environment and communities. Those who choose to undercut these efforts to protect and improve our community will be apprehended.”
“My office will continue to work with law enforcement agencies across state lines to detect and stop criminal activity, and hold perpetrators accountable,” he added.
On the other hand, CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline, commented, “The cross-border partnership between the California Department of Justice and Arizona’s law enforcement community sends a clear signal that organized criminal groups have no safe space to operate recycling fraud schemes.”
Additionally, Smithline said, “CalRecycle and its law enforcement partners will continue to follow these investigations wherever they lead to protect public funds and the integrity of California’s Beverage Container Recycling Program.”
