Real Estate Firm Under Suspicion for Sham Independent Status: Engel & Voэlkers
Customs Officials Search Headquarters of Real Estate Firm Engel & Völkers
Customs officials, acting on suspicion of fictitious self-employment, have searched the main headquarters of real estate firm Engel & Völkers in Hamburg and various locations across Germany. The company confirmed that customs officials have accused an immobilienmakler*in of fictitious self-employment. As the real estate franchise system allows independent real estate agents to use Engel & Völkers' business model in exchange for a license fee, the allegation concerns one particular licensee.
"We confirm that officials from the Main Customs Office in Bielefeld, acting on behalf of the Bielefeld Public Prosecutor, searched some of our offices today,” said a spokesperson for Engel & Völkers. The company is fully cooperating with the authorities.
Fictitious self-employment arises when someone operates as a self-employed individual to the extent that they are working for a company, but in actuality, they are employed by that company. Fictitious self-employment can lead to legal consequences, such as back payments of social security contributions.
The Bielefeld Public Prosecutor and the Main Customs Office in Bielefeld reported that customs officials conducted 18 searches of residential and commercial properties nationwide. The specific locations have not been disclosed upon request.
According to available data, there are currently no detailed reports regarding an ongoing or concluded investigation into Engel & Völkers for alleged non-payment of social contributions in Germany. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consider contacting official German authorities or reputable German business news outlets.
"The allegation of fictitious self-employment in the real estate industry involves a specific licensee of Engel & Völkers, as the company operates a franchise system where independent agents use their business model in exchange for a fee. The company is working closely with the Main Customs Office in Bielefeld to address financial matters in their business."
"Customs officials and the Bielefeld Public Prosecutor are conducting investigations across Germany, targeting suspected cases of fictitious self-employment that can lead to issues like back payments of social security contributions in both the finance sector and the broader business community."
