Particle.news

Germany Raids Alleged Construction Black-Work Network, Makes Three Arrests

Prosecutors describe a 15-person scheme using service firms to hide payrolls, costing the state about €28 million.

Overview

  • Nearly 800 officers from customs and police searched 70 homes and business sites across seven German states.
  • The operation centered on the Rhein-Main region, with additional raids in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate.
  • Three suspects were detained in the Frankfurt area as part of a probe into an alleged 15-person network in the construction sector.
  • Authorities imposed a €15 million asset freeze and seized about €500,000 in cash from a main suspect.
  • Investigators say the network used a web of service firms and undeclared or partially registered workers to channel illicit funds to construction companies and avoid dues.