Customs Raid in Hotel Industry Finds Wage, Social Security and Immigration Infractions
On September 19, 2025, the Main Customs Office Bielefeld, along with its FKS locations in Bielefeld, Hamm, Herford, and Paderborn, conducted a nationwide focus inspection. The aim was to ensure compliance with the legal minimum wage, social security obligations, and to uncover improper receipt of social benefits and illegal employment. Since January 1, 2025, the general minimum wage has been 12.82 euros per hour.
A total of 63 customs officers were involved in the inspections, questioning 250 employees in the hotel and catering industry. The inspections revealed irregularities in 96 cases. This included 79 cases of minimum wage violations, seven cases of suspected ssa evasion, and three cases of illegal employment of foreigners. On-site, twelve administrative offense proceedings and four criminal proceedings were initiated, with follow-up inspections planned. The Customs Administration pays particular attention to this industry in combating black work, as it is one of the largest and most employment-intensive sectors subject to the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG).
The inspections by the Main Customs Office Bielefeld and its FKS locations uncovered significant irregularities in the hotel and catering industry. With the initiation of administrative and criminal proceedings, the Customs Administration is committed to ensuring compliance with the legal minimum wage and social security obligations, and to combating illegal employment.
