Bulgarian trace in the theft of a large amount of used oil in France, which is sold for recycling and converted into biofuels, Agence France-Presse reported on 18 June 2023.
The country’s media reported that an organized crime group had been located, specializing in stealing oil from large fast food chains, then selling it for processing in the Netherlands.
The French authorities claim that the price per ton of used oil has risen from 150 to 1,200 Euros per ton in recent years. The gang have found a profitable business precisely in this jump in the market. The oil is filtered and then is usually combined with methanol to create a fuel that traditional diesel engines can run on.
In a special operation, the French police invaded premises used by the Bulgarian gang. They found 250 barrels of used stolen oil, amounting to 36,000 liters. Used fat is sold quite legally in both Belgium and Spain. There are companies buying this oil, which then recycle it using special machines and use it as biofuel.
In 2016, a law was passed in France, according to which all establishments and restaurateurs who use oil and waste fat are obliged to collect it in cans or barrels. The reason – if it gets into a sewer, it can be particularly polluting. If the provision is not followed, violators face up to 2 years in prison and a fine of 75,000 EUR.
On Mar 21, 2023, Luke Whelan reported for express.co.uk that a Bulgarian gang travels 100 miles to steal cooking oil from Morrisons (UK). There has been a surge in the number of thieves posing as recycling workers so they can steal cooking oil. On March 20, the trio were fined £525 each at Norwich Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to attempted theft in October last year.
Photo by Marco Fischer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/french-fries-with-red-sauce-115740/
