Europol estimates that at least 35,000 tonnes of problematic waste were illegally distributed across several landfills in Croatia.

Omissions

• Europol's press release states '35 000 tonnes' without the qualifier 'at least' (the 'at least' qualifier applies to the EUR 4 million in criminal profits, not to the tonnage). The MEP's phrasing 'at least 35,000 tonnes' is therefore slightly more assertive than the source, though it does not materially overstate the magnitude.
• Europol describes the material specifically as medical and hazardous waste; the MEP's broader term 'problematic waste' (problematischer Abfälle) is consistent but less precise.
• The Guardian article corroborating the figure (2026-09-25) was published after the session date of 2026-09-17 and could not have been known to the MEP; however, the Europol press release (14 February 2025) predates the session by over a year.
• The DW and Guardian sources are secondary and both ultimately trace back to the same Europol operation.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropol press release — 13 persons arrested for illegally disposing 35 000 tonnes of hazardous wasteTitle: '13 persons arrested for illegally disposing 35 000 tonnes of hazardous waste'. Summary: 'Criminals made at least EUR 4 million by illegally disposing of medical and hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia and Germany in Croatia.' Europol index page lists this item with 'Date 14 Feb 2025'.
• SecondaryDeutsche Welle (DW) — How criminals are trafficking illegal waste in Europe'In February, 13 people were arrested in Croatia for importing 35,000 tons of hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia and Germany. Europol, the arresting authority, said the waste was ...'
• SecondaryThe Guardian — The Croatian town that took on an illegal waste dump'At one of the biggest, just 50 metres from Šikić's home, an estimated 35,000 tonnes of waste, some of it hazardous, was dumped and buried.'