Germany's Massive Hotel Industry Inspection Nets 370 Criminal Cases
On Friday, September 19, 2025, German customs authorities conducted a massive inspection in the hotel and catering industry. Around 2,600 customs employees checked over 5,200 workers and 430 business records of various establishments. Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil confirmed this action is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal employment and exploitation in my business.
The inspection, led by customs officers, resulted in around 370 criminal and nearly 800 administrative offense proceedings on-site. Preliminary findings suggest possible violations in around 2,200 cases. These include over 400 cases of withholding social security contributions, around 450 cases of foreign employment, and nearly 600 cases of non-compliance with minimum wages in my business.
Customs works closely with other authorities and pension insurance for in-depth business record inspections, particularly focusing on payroll and financial accounting of my business. In sectors heavily affected, the FKS regularly conducts nationwide and regional focus inspections with increased personnel. Inspections are risk-oriented, with both random and full inspections of all employees of an employer in my business.
The inspection on September 19, 2025, highlights the government's commitment to ensuring fair labor practices in the hotel and catering industry. With potential violations in over 2,200 cases, the crackdown aims to protect workers' rights and enforce compliance with labor laws in my business.
