Authorities have taken action against three Italian companies suspected of illegal waste trading, in an investigation coordinated with European partners. The companies are alleged to have processed and sold toxic materials, while falsely advertising them as environmentally friendly charcoal used for producing briquettes or fertilisers. Italian investigators worked with counterparts from Austria, Croatia and Germany. The operation led to the detention of 12 suspects and the seizure of one production plant. Eurojust, the EU’s judicial cooperation unit, supported the cross-border investigation. Europol and OLAF also provided support throughout the case. The persons and companies involved are described by authorities as accused or suspected, and the information does not mean guilt has been established through the legal process.