Minimum wage: Customs initiates over 800 procedures according to nationwide raid

After a nationwide raid, black work experts have initiated more than 800 investigations for undeclared work and illegal employment. As the General Customs Directorate in Bonn announced, more than 3,000 customs officers were involved in the checks on Thursday. A total of around 6,500 employees asked them about their employment relationships. There were more than 700 exams of business documents among employers. The controls were primarily concerned with compliance with the minimum wage.

Around 340 criminal proceedings have already been initiated on site, more than 45 procedures for non -payment for social security contributions and around 150 due to a stay without a residence permit. Another around 460 administrative offenses have been opened. In more than 90 cases, this was about violations of the Minimum wage law.

Checks showed a further 1,800 suspected cases

“In addition, according to the previous evaluations, there were a further 1,800 suspected cases, including around 600 due to possible violations of the minimum wage law, to which financial control is now going on undeclared,” said a spokeswoman.

The customs of customs, which he considers particularly risky, took a close look at the catering and accommodation industry with a focus on snack bars and cafés. Occuptions, massage salons, solar studios, car workshops and washing systems were also checked.

Since January 1, 2025, the general statutory minimum wage has been 12.82 euros gross per hour, the authority emphasized. “Every employee is entitled to this,” said the spokeswoman. Agreements with the employer who fall below this claim are ineffective and would be punished if they were uncovered. In addition to the general minimum wage, there are special minimum sector wages, for example in the care, building cleaning and in the roofing, electrical and painter and painting trade.