HZA-LÖ: Zoll uncovers over 60 cases of illegal work in the Ortenau region
Authorities in Baden-Württemberg have penalised three businesses in Ortenau-Kreis for labour law violations. Investigations by the Lörrach Main Customs Office and the Offenburg Public Prosecutor’s Office uncovered cases of illegal employment, undeclared workers, and unpaid social security contributions. The probes wrapped up by the end of the year with fines totalling over €18,000.
In Gutach Valley, inspectors discovered a foreign worker without a valid residence permit or work authorisation employed at a hospitality venue. The business owner failed to report the hire immediately to social insurance providers, as required by law. For aiding unlawful residence, the owner was ordered to pay €2,000 in restitution and a €1,500 administrative penalty.
A freight forwarding company in Ortenau was found to have withheld or incorrectly paid social security contributions in 37 separate cases. The firm received a €9,800 fine for the repeated breaches. Similarly, a restaurant owner in Kehl was penalised €5,600 after 23 instances of unpaid or underpaid social security contributions came to light. All three investigations concluded with convictions, though no official list of the businesses involved has been made public.
The cases highlight ongoing enforcement against labour law violations in the region. Businesses face financial penalties for failing to comply with reporting, work permit, and social security obligations. Authorities continue to monitor employment practices in sectors prone to undeclared work.
