WTC Scrap Looting Investigated

The New York Post has reported that a grand jury investigation has begun into the unlawful diversion of scrap metal from the World Trade Center disaster site into several scrap yards.

A Manhattan grand jury will reportedly be presented with evidence that some 250 tons of scrap metal has found its way into three New York area scrap yards. All material taken from the blast area is supposed to go to the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island, where crime scene investigators will sift it through.

The Post report claims that 75 tons of metal has been found at Mid-Island Scrap Metal in Deer Park, N.Y., while another 180 tons of material has been located at two scrap yards in New Jersey.

The newspaper cites unnamed law enforcement sources who are linking the thefts to “some of the city’s five crime families.”

The sources claim the scrap was taken to the unauthorized cites in the days immediately after the attack, before the system that exists now was set up. Now, all drivers are escorted by police to the Fresh Kills dump or to garbage barges going directly to Fresh Kills.

Among the charges that could face those involved in the scrap diversion are tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, theft and conspiracy.