German Customs Launches Over 800 Investigations Following Nationwide Labor Law Inspections

A large-scale operation targeting wage violations and illegal employment revealed widespread non-compliance with Germany's minimum wage law.

More than 3,000 customs officers conducted inspections across Germany, questioning 6,500 workers and examining over 700 employer records.
Authorities initiated over 800 investigations, including 340 criminal cases and 460 administrative offenses, during the operation.
Violations included non-payment of social security contributions, employing individuals without valid work permits, and breaches of the minimum wage law.
Particularly high-risk industries, such as hospitality, auto workshops, and personal services, were a focus of the inspections.
The statutory minimum wage in Germany, raised to €12.82 per hour in January 2025, was a central point of enforcement, with 600 additional suspected violations under further review.