Peet W., a fertilizer dealer from Baarle-Nassau, is again in the picture in a major investigation into organized waste scams. This is what the Antwerp newspaper Het Gazet writes. On Tuesday morning, the Federal Judicial Police (FGP) carried out searches at several locations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Six people were arrested during the action and an amount of at least 430,000 euros was seized. According to BN DeStem, Peet W was not arrested because he was not at home.
Peet W. is no stranger to the Justice Department. He was previously convicted of fraud involving manure processing and biogas production. The Antwerp public prosecutor’s office confirms to the newspaper that W. again plays a crucial role in a network that is said to have earned millions of euros from the illegal processing of waste.
The raids, including on his home and warehouse on the Belgian-Dutch border, were used to search for evidence of illegal waste flows. According to the public prosecutor’s office, contaminated products were processed in manure storage or even in the soil, which can cause serious environmental damage.
The action is part of an ongoing investigation into organized environmental fraud. In addition to Peet W., four more men (aged 32, 33, 33 and 64) and two women aged 63 were arrested. The Flemish Environmental Inspectorate and the Flemish Land Agency cooperated in the operation. Money and an illegal weapon were seized.
Business partner from Esbeek
A company was also searched in Esbeek. This concerns the contracting company of Geert H., a business partner of Peet W. According to sources, the man has previously been associated with criminal activities. In 2021, his family was convicted of operating a drug lab on their farm in Poppel, Belgium. Prohibited weapons and ammunition were also found.
Previous conviction
Peet W. previously confessed to his role in an extensive fraud investigation involving manure and biogas. For this he received a community service order of 900 hours, a fine of 250,000 euros and a suspended prison sentence of two years. The court in Den Bosch will decide on December 4 whether the agreements with the judiciary in that case will be ratified.