Spanish National Police have arrested a thirty nine year old man accused of abandoning dozens of tonnes of used clothing in rented land and industrial warehouses in the town of Alcoi, in Alicante province. Investigators say the suspect posed as a textile trader and exporter, but failed to dispose of the waste properly to avoid environmental management costs.

The case began after the owner of an industrial unit and adjoining land in Orihuela reported that his property had been turned into an illegal dumping site. He said rent had gone unpaid for months and that lorries were arriving to unload large quantities of used clothing without control or authorisation.

Police believe the man charged third parties to recycle the textiles, but instead abandoned them at rented sites. The estimated cost of removing and treating the waste is around 120,000 euros, with more than fifty lorry loads required. The suspect has been accused of fraud and damage, and may also face environmental offences. He has been brought before a court in Alcoi while enquiries continue.