Law enforcement officials conducted coordinated searches across six German states on Tuesday, targeting suspected social security fraud involving individuals in the security sector. The operation, involving over 200 officers from the Federal Audit Office (Hauptzollamt Landshut), focused on residential and business premises in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The early morning raids resulted in the seizure of business records, data storage devices and mobile phones. Authorities suspect a complex scheme of fraud, described as a “chain fraud” utilizing sham companies to evade social security contributions. This involved the suspected failure to register employees properly and the payment of wages in undeclared funds.
Investigators estimate the potential loss to state and social security funds to be at least €1.5 million. The investigation remains ongoing and further details are expected as it progresses.
