Customs Raid in Germany's Hotel Industry Finds 12 Illegally Present Workers
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit of the Customs (FKS) conducted random inspections in the hotel and catering industry across Germany. The inspections, led by Nadja Esser, the deputy head of the Krefeld main customs office, targeted compliance with the legal minimum wage and social security obligations, and aimed to uncover illegal receipt of social security benefits and illegal employment.
Around 60 employees of the Krefeld Customs Office, with locations in Krefeld and Mönchengladbach, were involved in the inspections. They were supported by local authorities and finance offices from Viersen and Neuss. A total of 156 employees were inspected, and 12 people were found to be illegally present in the country.
The inspections placed a particular emphasis on the hotel and catering industry, one of the largest and most employment-intensive sectors, which is subject to the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG). Since January 1, 2025, the general minimum wage has been 12.82 euros per hour. Subsequent checks will be carried out by comparing on-site collected employee data with companies' payroll and financial records, and by examining further business documents.
The inspections, led by Nadja Esser, uncovered 12 cases of illegal presence in the country. The Krefeld Customs Office, with support from local authorities, is committed to ensuring compliance with legal minimum wage and social security obligations, and to combating illegal receipt of social security benefits and illegal employment in the hotel and catering industry.
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