Customs Inspectors Find Wage, Social Security and Employment Violations in Hotel Industry
On September 19, 2025, the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit of the Customs (FKS) conducted suspicion-independent inspections in the hotel and catering industry. The nationwide focus inspection, led by Sascha Gawenda from the Main Customs Office Bielefeld, aimed to ensure compliance with the statutory minimum wage and social security obligations, and to uncover illegal receipt of social benefits and illegal employment.
The FKS, with 63 customs officers from Bielefeld, Hamm, Herford, and Paderborn, inspected 250 employees. They discovered irregularities in 96 cases. Most notably, 79 instances of minimum wage violations were found, with the general minimum wage set at 12.82 euros per hour since January 1, 2025. Additionally, seven cases of suspected withholding of social security contributions and three cases of illegal employment of foreigners were identified. The FKS initiated twelve administrative offense proceedings and four criminal proceedings on-site.
The FKS, through its risk-oriented inspections, continues to secure social systems and state revenues. The hotel and catering industry, subject to the Minimum Wage Act, remains a focus. The FKS will continue to conduct nationwide and regional focus inspections to maintain fair employment and competitive conditions.
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