Customs agency probes into alleged damage worth over 20 million, linked to unlawful workforce operations

In a significant move to combat black work, illegal employment, and social benefit fraud, the Financial Control Black Work at the Main Customs Office Potsdam has been actively working to protect the social system and the economy.

According to the latest data, the number of administrative offence proceedings decreased by 176 in 2023 compared to the previous year. This decrease, however, does not necessarily reflect a decline in the overall issue, but rather the successful implementation of strategies to tackle it.

The damage sum in 2023, on the other hand, was higher than in 2022, amounting to approximately 20.1 million euros. This increase represents an additional burden on the social system, as black workers and their clients often miss out on contributing their fair share.

Last year, the Financial Control Black Work carried out a total of 6,777 inspections, including 595 employer inspections and 6,162 individual inspections. The focus of these inspections was risk-oriented, with the construction industry, hotels and restaurants, and the cleaning industry being the primary areas of interest in 2023.

The efforts of the Financial Control Black Work have not gone unnoticed by the courts. In 2023, fines totalling 377,741 euros and imprisonment sentences of 24 months were imposed due to the investigations carried out.

The activities of black workers and their clients not only harm the social system but also the economy and endanger jobs. By evading taxes, they create an unfair competitive advantage, which can lead to job losses for honest workers.

The Financial Control Black Work operates in several districts, including Prignitz, Ostprignitz-Ruppin, Oberhavel, Havelland, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Teltow-Fläming, and parts of Dahme-Spreewald. It also covers the independent cities of Potsdam and Brandenburg an der Havel.

The Main Customs Office Potsdam can be contacted for more information at [email protected] and www.zoll.de. It is worth noting that the name of the person leading the Finanzkontrolle Schwarze Arbeit at the Hauptzollamt Potsdam in recent years is not publicly available, but similar positions at other Hauptzollämter are typically led by a Fachgebietsleiter (subject area leader).

In 2023, the Financial Control Black Work's activities resulted in a total of 2,128 criminal proceedings and 568 administrative offence proceedings. These numbers underscore the ongoing commitment of the Main Customs Office Potsdam to combat black work and illegal employment.

The increase in damage sum from 2022 to 2023 was 818,072 euros. Despite this increase, the Financial Control Black Work's activities aim to prevent tax evasion by black workers and their clients, thereby contributing to a fairer and more sustainable economy.