Unlawful entry conducted at property management firm Engel & Völkers
Nationwide investigations by law enforcement agencies have led to the scrutiny of properties associated with the real estate firm Engel & Völkers. Industry insider speculations point towards potential instances of fraudulent self-employment. Multiple real estate agents are under suspicion for falsely reporting as independent contractors.
In response to these allegations, a representative from Engel & Völkers admitted that officials from the Hauptzollamt Bielefeld, acting on behalf of the Staatsanwaltschaft Bielefeld, had conducted searches at some of their premises. The company has voiced their seriousness towards the allegations and is actively cooperating with the authorities.
Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the Staatsanwaltschaft Bielefeld and the Hauptzollamt Bielefeld had initiated 18 countrywide investigations. The focus of these investigations is on several suspects who are believed to have employed real estate agents without contributing the required social security contributions.
As per the preliminary investigation, there are growing suspicions that these real estate agents were registered as self-employed, but they were allegedly taking instructions from these unnamed suspects.
When asked for more details regarding the locations of the other search warrants, the police declined to disclose any information. Engel & Völkers functions as a franchise system, which allows entrepreneurs to utilize the business model of Engel & Völkers for a fee.
The economic implications of these investigations could potentially harm Engel & Völkers' reputation, as allegations of tax evasion and fraudulent self-employment are serious issues within the economy. With 18 countrywide investigations underway, the total financial impact on the real estate sector, including social security contributions, remains uncertain.
