The National Bureau of Investigation (NPU), together with Maribor and Ljubljana criminal investigators, carried out 13 searches of premises and three seizures of electronic data on the basis of search orders on 8 October 2025 in the areas of the Ljubljana, Novo mesto, Maribor and Celje Police Directorates, due to suspected criminal offences of burdening and destroying the environment.
During operational activities, NPU investigators seized business documentation, electronic devices and data, as well as soil and waste samples for further chemical analysis. In one of the searches of premises, the police needed assistance from the Slovenian Armed Forces, using their military engineering equipment.
A total of five individuals are suspected of committing the criminal offence. Four suspects, associated with a company based in the area of Novo Mesto Police Directorate, allegedly organised the collection, processing and disposal of waste by depositing it in excavated pits and illegally dumping part of it on permeable ground, in violation of environmental regulations and a valid environmental permit. Such actions pose a risk of actual damage to soil and water quality. Their activities were allegedly facilitated by an official of an inspection authority responsible for overseeing compliance with environmental legislation. All suspects were released from custody yesterday.
The conduct in question created a significant risk of actual harm to soil and water quality. The suspects are believed to have obtained at least EUR 8.7 million in proceeds of crime.
The prescribed penalty for the criminal offence of burdening and destroying the environment under Article 332 of the Criminal Code is one to twelve years of imprisonment.
The pre-trial proceedings are being directed by the Specialised State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Slovenia.