Germany's Customs Raids Expose Widespread Illegal Employment in Restaurants
In a nationwide crackdown, German Customs' Financial Control of Illegal Employment (FKS) division, led by the Main Customs Office GieΓen, conducted inspections across North, East, and Central Hesse last Friday. The operation, involving over 80 customs officers and local tax office support, targeted restaurants, guesthouses, and snack bars in Limburg-Weilburg, GieΓen, Friedberg, Kassel, and Schwalm-Eder district. Initial findings revealed serious irregularities, including illegal employment and suspected minimum wage violations.
The inspections, which were risk-oriented and ranged from random to comprehensive, focused on detecting illegal employment, fraud, minimum wage violations, and social security irregularities. Around 130 employment relationships were checked, with initial on-site findings including people working without necessary permits, suspected underpayment of minimum wage, missing social security notifications, fraud indications, and various notification violations. Follow-up investigations will confirm these violations, with legal action taken against employers if confirmed.
The operation resulted in the arrest of nine men found employed without necessary work and residence permits. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against them.
The German Customs' FKS division secures social systems and state revenues by ensuring fair working and competitive conditions. The nationwide focus action is part of their ongoing efforts to combat illegal employment and protect workers' rights. Further investigations are underway to address the confirmed irregularities and bring those responsible to justice.
