Background of the Case: Illegal Dumping Across Sweden
NMT Think Pink: The Beginning of the Scandal
NMT Think Pink, a company once known for managing waste in Sweden, became the centerpiece of an environmental disaster when it was discovered that it had been systematically dumping and burying hazardous waste. The company, under the leadership of Bella Nilsson, initially positioned itself as a responsible waste disposal service, but its practices soon drew scrutiny as evidence mounted of illegal activities.
The company’s waste dumping occurred across multiple locations, including construction waste, electronics, metals, plastics, and other materials that contained toxic substances. The illegal handling and disposal of these materials led to contamination of soil, air, and water, causing widespread environmental damage that is now costing municipalities millions to clean up.
The 21 Sites and the Systematic Nature of the Crimes
The investigation, as detailed by prosecutor Linda Schön, initially focused on 21 sites across 15 Swedish municipalities, though it is believed that the total number of contaminated sites could be much higher. These 21 sites, chosen for investigation to meet legal deadlines, are enough to demonstrate the systematic nature of the illegal activities carried out by NMT Think Pink.
The sites are spread across different regions of Sweden, and each one has been affected by hazardous waste dumping, leading to a variety of environmental and health-related issues. These problems include toxic contamination of soil and groundwater, hazardous air quality, and increased risks to human and animal health.