Customs Raid on Hotels and Catering: 8 Fined, 4 Face Wage Theft Charges
Customs officers from the Main Customs Office Aachen recently conducted inspections in the hotel and catering industry, focusing on minimum wage compliance and under-the-table work. The Financial Control of Under-the-Table Work of the Customs (FKS) carried out unannounced checks last Friday, targeting businesses in the Aachen city region and districts of Düren and Euskirchen.
The inspections, which involved interviewing 41 employees, revealed several violations. Eight administrative offence proceedings were initiated, including cases of not carrying identification documents and failing to meet notification obligations. Additionally, four criminal proceedings were started for suspected wage withholding and illegal employment.
The FKS team conducted business record checks in eight cases, with follow-up inspections planned to compare employee data with payroll and financial accounting. The hotel and catering industry was chosen as a focus sector due to its size and employment intensity. These inspections contribute to securing social systems and state revenues by ensuring fair working and competitive conditions.
The general minimum wage has been 12.82 euros per hour since January 1, 2025. Despite this, some employers were found to be violating workers' rights and social security obligations. The customs officers' efforts aim to protect workers and maintain a level playing field for businesses. Further investigations are ongoing to address the identified issues.
