Bruchköbel crackdown exposes fire hazards, tax fraud, and illegal gambling
Authorities in Bruchköbel conducted a large-scale enforcement operation on Thursday evening, inspecting several bars and shisha lounges to ensure compliance with various laws and regulations. The operation involved multiple agencies and resulted in numerous violations being uncovered.
The fire department found multiple fire safety breaches, including non-functional carbon monoxide detectors, a deactivated ventilation system in a shisha lounge, and expired fire extinguishers. Tax irregularities were also discovered, with around four kilograms of shisha tobacco seized and two cash register systems lacking the required Technical Security Device (TSE). Authorities seized 16 gambling machines, including eight 'fast-payout' devices and two sports betting terminals improperly connected to the OASIS blocking system. At a 24-hour vending machine near a school, inspectors found tobacco products being sold without age verification, confiscating 65 packs of 'snus' nicotine pouches.
The operation was coordinated by Police President Daniel Muth and involved the Langenselbold police station, Bruchköbel’s regulatory and trade office, the Bruchköbel fire department, the Offenbach am Main tax investigation unit, and the Darmstadt main customs office. A total of 34 individuals were checked, and five businesses were inspected. Enforcement officers collected over €2,300 in outstanding claims and issued two warnings, each carrying a €55 fine.
The successful joint operation demonstrated the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in ensuring compliance with commercial, gambling, tax, youth protection laws, and fire safety regulations. Authorities reminded businesses to adhere to these rules to maintain public safety and order.
