"The 10 cents deposit that we all pay per beverage in this state is used to fund environmental cleanup efforts throughout Michigan.  These defendants have not only perpetrated crimes against Michigan taxpayers but also against the natural habitat of Michigan itself," said Cox.  

The smugglers would collect non-redeemable beverage containers purchased outside of Michigan by the millions, crush them, bag them in Michigan redemption bags, and sell them to several stores at a discount in southeast Michigan.  

"Eighteen months of investigation by dedicated state police detectives and our partners uncovered a sophisticated ring of criminals who were exploiting Michigan's 10 cent bottle refund," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, Michigan State Police Director.  "Each year, this type of activity defrauds the state approximately $13 million."  

The investigation by the Attorney General's Office, the Michigan Sate Police, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Treasury has resulted in 20 search warrants being executed today.  The targets of the search warrants included the homes of the smugglers, the stores that participated in the scheme, and the store owner homes.  Fifteen arrest warrants were also issued for the smugglers and the owners of those stores.  The charges include maintaining a continuing criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and fraud, a 5-year felony.  

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.