German authorities conducted searches in a case concerning the alleged illegal employment of Romanian workers in shipbuilding

Approximately 100 German customs inspectors conducted raids on Wednesday, October 8, at shipyards, commercial premises and residences in Kiel, Wismar, Wolgast and the Vogtland region. The operation targets an alleged scheme in which Romanian workers were purportedly employed for several years without the payment of social security contributions and taxes owed in Germany.

Investigators are examining six suspects—four men and two women—aged between 40 and 62. They are suspected of having used contracts with subcontractors that did not reflect the actual situation and of having manipulated documents concerning the posting of workers.

The investigation also concerns posting certificates issued through the Romanian social security system, which authorities suspect were used to avoid paying contributions in Germany. The estimated damage amounts to approximately five million euros.

During the raids, mobile phones and other electronic devices were seized, while several witnesses were interviewed at the shipyards. The investigation aims to establish the exact period of the alleged offenses, the number of workers involved and the value of the unpaid taxes. No arrests have been made so far, and the allegations remain to be clarified.