68 customs officers inspected - partly together with the police, federal police, BALM (Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility) and SAM (Special Waste Management Company Rhineland-Palatinate mbH) - 208 employees across the entire district of the Saarbrücken main customs office, whose jurisdiction extends over Saarland and the Südwestpfalz. "The task forces checked not only compliance with the minimum wage but also adherence to social security obligations, unlawful receipt of social benefits, as well as illegal employment of foreigners," said Karin Schmidt, spokesperson for the Saarbrücken main customs office.
In 22 cases, there were indications of further violations, such as suspicion of withholding and embezzlement of wages, non-payment of the statutory minimum wage, and unlawful receipt of social benefits. Extensive follow-up checks follow the inspections conducted, in which the data collected on site from the employees are compared with the companies' payroll and financial accounting, and further business documents are reviewed.
Additional information:
In 2024, the Financial Control of Illegal Employment will celebrate its 20th anniversary nationwide. In 2004, the responsibilities for combating illegal employment and unauthorized work were consolidated from the then Labor Market Inspection of the Federal Employment Agency and the Customs Authority into the Financial Control of Illegal Employment. The legal basis is provided by the Act to Combat Illegal Employment (SchwarzArbG). Through their efforts, the customs officers ensure fair labor and competitive conditions and make a significant contribution to protecting employees by ensuring the proper and correct payment of taxes and contributions.
