Criminal probe into illegal fuel ring

THE GOVERNMENT has launched a criminal investigation into the practices of a waste-management plant in Limassol, suspected of trading in illegal petroleum end-products.

The case came to light last week during a police sting operation at the factory’s premises.

According to the Environmental Protection Services, a certain company on contract to destroy the remains of illegal petrol-products arriving on vessels at the new Limassol harbour was instead transporting them to a Limassol factory owner. The fuel would then be stored in reservoirs and sold off as cheap fuel.

Any trade of the illegal fuel would likely involve huge sums of money and police have not ruled out the possibility that dockworkers were also involved in the ring.

Agriculture Minister Fotis Fotiou has described the case as particularly worrying because it involves the transport of very dangerous substances to a factory that was not licensed to handle such products.

Yesterday, the Cabinet gave the green light for the establishment of an investigative commission headed by a state prosecutor.

Fotiou said the commission’s task was to establish possible criminal offences, including the illegal trade, distribution and storage of dangerous petroleum products.

It would also look into the possible involvement of state services and officials.

The affair has gained a political twist, after allegations that the Greens were backing a licensed waste management company in blocking the suspect factory’s efforts to secure an operating licence.

The licensed company – the only one of its kind on the island – advertised in the party’s newspaper, prompting accusations that the Greens were trying to maintain a monopoly to the detriment of the environment.

It has been reported that the unlicensed plant had been struggling to get a licence for years but was rejected on unreasonable grounds.

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