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Italy environmental crime turnover hits record 11.5 billion euros
According to the Legambiente ‘Ecomafia 2026’ report, environmental crimes in Italy saw a 12% decrease in 2025, totaling 35,735 offenses. However, the economic impact of these illegal activities has surged, with the ecomafia turnover reaching a record 11.5 billion euros, an increase of 2.2 billion euros from 2024.
Illegal waste management remains the primary concern, accounting for 10,914 reported cases. While cement-related crimes fell by 41%, fires in waste management plants rose by 24.7%. Southern Italy continues to be the most affected region, with Campania, Sicily, Puglia, and Calabria collectively accounting for 44.3% of all criminal violations.
In the province of Catanzaro, environmental crimes are heavily concentrated in the waste sector, which represents 147 of the 276 recorded offenses. The province also reported 69 crimes related to illegal cement and construction activities.
Entities
Campania · Catanzaro · Italy · Legambiente · Napoli
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Illegal cement-related crimes in Catanzaro totaled 69 cases. www.catanzaroinforma.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the province of Catanzaro, 147 crimes were related to the illegal waste cycle. www.catanzaroinforma.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Illegal waste management accounted for 10,914 reported offenses in 2025. www.cinquecolonne.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Campania recorded the highest number of environmental crimes in Italy with 5,636 cases. www.cinquecolonne.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Environmental crimes in Italy decreased by 12% in 2025 compared to the previous year. www.cinquecolonne.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ecomafia 2026 report details environmental illegalities in Italy. www.catanzaroinforma.it · www.cinquecolonne.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The turnover of ecomafias reached a record 11.5 billion euros in 2025. www.cinquecolonne.it