In Girona, the Mossos d’Esquadra are investigating 12 illegal vehicle repair shops over environmental and labour risks. The police say these businesses often operate in isolated places or behind closed doors, which makes them harder to detect.
Authorities warn that the garages do not comply with environmental rules, especially on waste separation and disposal. The result can be pollution from oils, brake fluids and other materials, along with unsafe working conditions for staff.
The Mossos also say illegal garages are often linked to other offences, most commonly electricity fraud. In some cases, officers have also found vehicle compartments modified, allegedly to hide drugs. The force says it has also come across workers in irregular administrative situations, which are then reported to the National Police.
One case under review involved an isolated farmhouse between La Selva and El Gironès, where three men were found working on several cars. Police said there was no proper waste sorting or collection system, no required safety measures, and one worker was burning plastics and other materials in a bonfire.
Antoni López, head of the URMA in Girona, said officers identify the people involved, check the activity, the waste produced and where it goes, then report the case to the relevant local council, Labour department or other authority. The URMA records the irregularities and passes them on so fines or closures can be considered.
For more local reporting from across Catalonia, see our news page. You can also read the Mossos d’Esquadra’s official updates on the Mossos d’Esquadra website and environmental guidance from the Catalan government environment department.
