Disrupting and Deterring Illicit Trade of HFCs

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of industrial chemicals used primarily for air conditioning and refrigeration, contribute to man-made climate change. The EU is thoroughly aware of this effect and regulated a reduction to reduce the amount of chemicals used in these systems by 79% between 2015 and 2030. This will be achieved through a quota system and the banning of non-refillable containers.

Despite the Montreal Protocol being recognized as one of the most successful environmental treaties, illicit trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS) remains a problem.

Criminal networks are highly attracted to the illegal refrigerants trade for the fact that it poses low risks and maintains high profits. To make matters worse, the crime the illegal entities commit by trading these ozone-destroying and greenhouse gas emissions are often not a priority for law enforcement agencies, and when they are, the penalties are typically minor.

As a result, Kroll removed nearly 3,300 online infringements. Intelligence was stored in Kroll’s interactive workspace, allowing Kroll’s expert investigators to enrich information through a range of data sources, which helped to visualize findings. This digital ‘“case library”’ built by Kroll assisted in the identification of relationships and associations through clusters of related entities, streamlining priority of subsequent investigative efforts, which historically included sourcing inquiries and test purchases.

In addition, the Action Line received over 420 intelligence leads and the Kroll team of experts submitted 225 evidence packs relating to thousands of tons of HFCs to law enforcement, eradicating major illicit trade routes into the EU.