Decrease in Legal Proceedings Against Black Market Labor by Customs Authorities

The customs authorities in Brandenburg have reported a significant decline in the number of legal actions initiated against black market labor and illegal employment. In 2024, approximately 2,800 criminal proceedings were launched, which is about 860 fewer than the previous year. Conversely, the number of administrative offense proceedings saw a slight increase, rising by nearly 300 to around 1,360 cases, as indicated by the Brandenburg Ministry of Economic Affairs in response to an inquiry from the BSW party faction.

Administrative offenses related to violations of the minimum wage law remained steady, with 230 cases in 2024 compared to 227 in 2023. Out of these, 109 cases involved the restaurant and accommodation sectors, reflecting a consistent trend from the previous year.

In addition to monitoring minimum wage compliance, customs officials also examined adherence to social security obligations, the receipt of unemployment benefits, and the minimum working conditions, as well as the illegal employment of foreigners.

However, the number of employer inspections dropped significantly, falling from approximately 1,300 to only 600, marking a more than 50% reduction. A spokesperson from the customs authority explained that this decline is attributed to a strategic realignment of employer checks, focusing on industries more prone to black market activity and illegal employment.

Notably, the restaurant and accommodation sectors stood out in both criminal and administrative offense proceedings, with nearly 300 criminal cases and approximately 320 administrative offenses filed against establishments within these industries.

Despite the reduced number of employer inspections, customs officials imposed fines totaling around EUR845,000 in Brandenburg during the past year, representing an increase of nearly EUR74,000 compared to 2023. The aggregate of warning and administrative fines, along with confiscation amounts, reached EUR611,700, which is EUR59,560 less than the previous year.