Sweden"s largest environmental trial: 11 accused of waste dumping

In Sweden, a significant environmental trial has commenced involving eleven individuals, including Bella Nilsson, the former CEO of the recycling company Think Pink. The trial, taking place at the Attunda district court in Sollentuna, near Stockholm, is centered on allegations that the company illegally dumped over 200,000 tonnes of toxic waste across 21 locations. Prosecutors assert that this waste disposal could pose serious risks to human health and the environment, leading to charges of serious environmental and economic crimes against the Nilssons and their employees. The company, which gained popularity between 2018 and 2020 for its affordable recycling services, faced a dramatic downfall when its owners were arrested in 2020. Investigations revealed harmful substances, including arsenic and dioxins, in the waste dumped by Think Pink. The case has been described as the largest environmental crime in Sweden, with a police report detailing extensive evidence spanning 50,000 pages. Prosecutors have indicated that the company used falsified documents to mislead authorities and maximize profits, resulting in claims for damages amounting to 260 million SEK, primarily from municipalities tasked with cleaning up the waste. The trial is expected to last nine months, reflecting the complexity and scale of the alleged crimes. Bella Nilsson, who has since changed her name to Fariba Vancor, maintains her innocence, claiming that the company operated within legal boundaries and suggesting that she is a target of business rivals. Her defense attorney has stated that she has explanations for the allegations against her, indicating a contentious legal battle ahead.