Customs Investigations in Bielefeld's Forwarding, Transport, and Logistics Sector/Unveiling of Illegal Employment and Other Unlawful Practices
Ralf Wagenfeld, the head of the Main Customs Office in Bielefeld, announced a series of inspections conducted on November 12, 2024, in the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics industries across Bielefeld, Hamm, Herford, and Paderborn. The investigations were aimed at combating black work and illegal employment in these sectors, which have been identified as particularly susceptible to such practices.
The inspections involved a total of 62 customs officers, who carried out both random checks and full inspections of all employees of the targeted companies. In total, 182 employees were questioned about their employment relationships. The investigations revealed irregularities in 19 cases that require further clarification, and in eleven cases, other violations were detected.
Two truck drivers from Kazakhstan and Belarus were suspected of illegal residence and unauthorized economic activity. In addition, six cases showed suspicions of benefit fraud, and in two cases, illegal employment of foreigners was suspected.
Customs inspections play a crucial role in combating illegal employment, as they ensure fair labor and competitive conditions. The inspections also serve to safeguard social systems and state revenues. Customs is in close information exchange with other authorities and the pension insurance, working together to combat illegal employment and protect workers' rights.
Joint traffic checks were carried out in Bielefeld-Altenhagen, Paderborn, and near Werl, in cooperation with local police authorities. The investigations against employers are ongoing, and further business documents will be checked as part of the investigations.
Ralf Wagenfeld encourages anyone with information about illegal employment or black work in these industries to contact the customs office for inquiries. He emphasized the importance of employers adhering to legal employment practices and workers ensuring they have proper contracts and social insurance registrations.
The Main Customs Office in Bielefeld will continue to conduct inspections throughout the year, particularly in sectors that are most affected by black work. These efforts are part of a larger focus on ensuring fair labor conditions and a level playing field for all companies in the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics industries.
- The investigations revealed that customs inspections in the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics industries, including those in Bielefeld, Hamm, Herford, and Paderborn, are vital in combating black work and illegal employment.
- In light of the ongoing investigations, Ralf Wagenfeld, the head of the Main Customs Office in Bielefeld, is calling for information on illegal employment or black work within these industries, as the office aims to ensure fair labor conditions and a level playing field for all companies.
- The policy-and-legislation surrounding labor practices in the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics industries is under intense scrutiny, with finance and politics playing a significant role in shaping the policies to combat illegal employment and promote fair labor conditions, in conjunction with general-news reports.
