Investigation by the Mossos d’Esquadra
The Mossos d’Esquadra have launched an investigation involving twelve illegal workshops in the Girona regions. These businesses, which operate outside the law, are characterised by their invisibility, as many are located in remote areas or operate with shutters closed during their hours of activity.
The police have warned about the environmental risks these workshops pose. The lack of compliance with waste management regulations can lead to serious ecological problems. Contaminated liquids such as oils and brake fluids are disposed of without any control, contaminating the soil and endangering the health of the natural environment.
Moreover, working conditions are precarious. Workers are exposed to dangerous situations due to the absence of adequate safety measures. In one particular case, it has been documented that one of the employees burns plastics outdoors, which is not only harmful to their health but also to the environment.
Corporal Antoni López, head of the Regional Environmental Unit (URMA) in Girona, has pointed out that these illegal activities are often linked to other crimes. Electrical fraud is one of the most common; however, there have also been indications of more serious activities such as drug trafficking. Occasionally, workers modify vehicles to hide illicit substances.
Despite the efforts made by the Mossos and the URMA to identify these clandestine workshops, their detection remains a challenge. Many operate under the radar thanks to word of mouth among potential clients. Although reports are filed when irregularities are detected, the process to shut down these businesses can be slow and complicated.
The reports prepared by the Mossos are sent to the corresponding municipalities, which have the legal responsibility to sanction and close these irregular establishments. However, this administrative process can take time while the workshops continue to operate without adequate supervision.
In summary, the current situation raises serious concerns from both an environmental and labour perspective. The combination of illegal work with dangerous practices affects not only those working in these places but also the surrounding ecosystem.
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