Customs Raid in Kiel Exposes Illegal Cigarette Factory in Italy
The Main Customs Office in Kiel recently conducted inspections across multiple cities, targeting hotels and restaurants. The operation, carried out on September 19, 2025, aimed to ensure compliance with labour laws and social security obligations. The inspections were part of an ongoing effort by the customs office to combat illegal employment and black work in the industry.
The FKS teams inspected a total of 27 employers and interviewed 151 employees about their working conditions. The inspections were particularly focused on ensuring the legal minimum wage was being paid and that employers were meeting their social security obligations. In six cases, there was suspicion of illegal residence, with one of these cases also involving suspected document forgery.
In the most notable case, a large illegal cigarette factory in Italy near Cassino was discovered. Employees were found to be living in underground quarters, hidden beneath a logistics centre. The factory was linked to multiple arrests and charges. The customs office is working in close collaboration with other authorities and the pension insurance to combat such illegal activities and ensure fair working conditions.
The FKS carries out regular nationwide and regional focus inspections, deploying increased personnel to particularly affected branches. These inspections are crucial in the hotel and restaurant industry due to its typical features and frequent irregularities. The fight against black work and illegal employment contributes to the security of social systems and state revenues, ensuring fair working and competitive conditions.
The inspections conducted by the Main Customs Office in Kiel have highlighted the importance of regular checks in the hotel and restaurant industry. The discovery of an illegal cigarette factory in Italy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such activities. The customs office, along with other authorities, will continue to work together to ensure compliance with labour laws and social security obligations, contributing to a fair and competitive working environment.
