10 Arrested in Recycling Fraud Schemes

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) recently announced that 10 suspects have been arrested for allegedly smuggling out-of-state beverage containers into California in an attempt to defraud the California Redemption Value fund, according to a Lake County News report.

CalRecycle worked hand-in-hand with its investigative partners at the California Department of Justice to identify and catch the suspects in action.

Additionally, in September, CalRecycle worked with the California Department of Justice and the California Department of Food and Agriculture to set up a checkpoint to reduce the illegal importation of out-of-state beverage containers.

Lake County News has more details:

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery announced the arrests of 10 suspects accused of smuggling out-of-state beverage containers into California to defraud the state’s California Redemption Value fund.

The recycling fraud schemes include an alleged three-year criminal enterprise involving the mass shipment of empty beverage containers from Las Vegas to 12 Los Angeles-area recycling centers.

“Consumers in other states do not pay CRV on their beverage purchases, so any CRV redemption of out-of-state materials is theft and fraud,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “CalRecycle will continue to leverage every available resource to protect the integrity of the fund and safeguard the nickels and dimes Californians pay at the cash register.”

Read the full story here.