OLAF’s Intelligence Leads to Record-Breaking Seizure of Illegal F-Gases in the Netherlands

Intelligence provided by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has led to the largest-ever seizure of illegal F-gases in the Netherlands. The Dutch authorities, acting on OLAF's information, confiscated four containers filled with nearly 4,800 cylinders of F-gases at the port of Rotterdam. The illegal shipment, valued at approximately 1.5 million EUR, was intercepted before it could be delivered to unauthorized importers within the European Union.

OLAF has been closely monitoring the international traffic of F-gases (hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs) to the EU from third countries. The intelligence shared with Dutch authorities highlighted suspicious movements of F-gases destined for three European countries, where importers lacked the proper authorization to handle these substances. Thanks to this information, the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT-IOD) launched a successful investigation, tracking and seizing the containers in Rotterdam.

F-Gases and Environmental Concerns

F-gases are subject to strict quotas and a phased reduction under EU environmental regulations due to their significant impact on global warming. The seized shipment originated from outside the EU, and OLAF, in partnership with national authorities, is working to disrupt illegal networks trafficking these potent greenhouse gases into Europe.

As the EU enforces increasingly stringent rules on F-gas usage and importation, the black market for these gases has expanded. Devices such as air conditioners and industrial refrigeration systems, which rely on F-gases, are fueling this illegal trade. OLAF remains at the forefront of efforts to protect the EU’s environmental integrity by cracking down on illegal F-gas trafficking.