German Customs Raid 17 Properties in Bavaria and Hesse Over Suspected Illegal Labour

Around 180 German customs officers searched 17 residential and business premises in Bavaria and Hesse on Tuesday morning in an investigation targeting four men aged 30 to 72.

The operation centred on the Aschaffenburg area, with support from local criminal police, according to Schweinfurt customs authorities.

Investigators suspect the businessmen of withholding social security contributions, facilitating illegal immigration and defrauding the scaffolding industry’s social fund.

Workers, predominantly from southeastern Europe, were allegedly supplied to construction companies without the required authorisation. Some allegedly lacked permission to work in Germany.

Officers seized evidence including computers and smartphones. They also encountered five workers from southeastern Europe suspected of being in Germany unlawfully.

Würzburg prosecutors and customs investigators said the investigation continues. The suspects are presumed innocent unless convicted.