A large-scale raid targeting suspected illegal employment in the construction industry has been conducted across multiple German states.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, involved the search of over 40 properties in several federal states. Six suspects, aged between 25 and 52, are under investigation for allegedly evading social security contributions and taxes, resulting in millions of euros in losses.
The suspects are believed to have established a network of companies, including shell companies, as part of a chain fraud scheme. This involved the booking of invoices for services that were not actually provided or were misdeclared.
The primary goal was to create a black money cycle to avoid social security contributions and taxes. Employees were often not registered for social insurance or were paid a lower wage, with the remainder paid in cash. The damage caused by the suspects is estimated to be at least three and a half million euros.
Searches were carried out in Berlin, Saxony, Brandenburg, Bremen, and North Rhine-Westphalia, targeting the homes of the suspects, addresses of suspected shell companies, and legitimate companies that may have been involved in the scheme. During the raid, 45 individuals who were illegally in Germany were also identified.
Documents, data storage devices, and mobile phones were seized during the operation. Additionally, a weapon and ammunition were found, and two high-performance cars were confiscated due to existing arrest warrants. No arrests were made.