Two men and two companies are set to stand trial in Spain for the illegal importation of approximately 1,800 tons of textile waste and used clothing from Morocco into the Campo de Gibraltar region, via the port of Algeciras. The case, brought by the Spanish Prosecutor's Office, alleges violations of waste shipment regulations.
According to court documents, the defendants are accused of importing the waste between 2021 and 2022 without proper authorization. The textile waste, which included unsorted used clothing, was allegedly mislabeled as second-hand goods for reuse, but authorities determined it was non-compliant and destined for disposal.
The trial is scheduled to begin in June 2026 at the Provincial Court of Cadiz. The prosecution is seeking prison sentences of up to three years for the individuals and fines for the companies involved. The case highlights ongoing issues with illegal waste trafficking in the region.
Environmental groups have criticized the lack of enforcement, noting that textile waste from Europe and North Africa often ends up in landfills in developing countries. The Spanish authorities have stepped up inspections at Algeciras, one of Europe's busiest ports, to curb such practices.
