Customs Raid Finds Wage Theft in Hotel, Catering Industry
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Financial Control Black Work (FKS) of the Customs conducted random inspections in the hotel and catering industry nationwide. The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with the legal minimum wage and social security obligations, and to uncover improper receipt of ssa and illegal employment.
A total of 63 customs officers from the Hauptzollamt Bielefeld took part in the inspections, focusing on the hotel and catering industry which falls under the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG). During the inspections, 250 employees were encountered and questioned about their employment conditions. Unfortunately, irregularities were found in 96 cases.
The inspections led to the initiation of 12 administrative offense proceedings and 4 criminal proceedings on site. Follow-up inspections were conducted to further investigate the findings. Among the irregularities, 79 cases involved violations of the minimum wage, seven cases suspected the withholding of social security contributions, and three cases involved illegal employment of foreigners. The Main Customs Office Bielefeld, with FKS locations in Bielefeld, Hamm, Herford, and Paderborn, participated in the inspections.
The inspections highlight the Customs Administration's commitment to fighting black work in the hotel and catering industry. Employers are reminded to comply with the minimum wage of 12.82 euros per hour, effective since January 1, 2025, and to ensure proper social security contributions and legal employment practices.
