Information
Federal police in southwestern Germany conducted raids in Mannheim, Karlsruhe, and Worms, targeting a suspected human trafficking operation. Around 400 officers were involved, searching 24 properties as part of a coordinated effort between federal police, the public prosecutor’s office, and central customs. At least four individuals were arrested, and a group of seven people, including both men and women, is under investigation. Authorities are pursuing additional arrest warrants. The investigation centers on migrants from the Caucasus region who were smuggled into Germany to work illegally, often receiving less than the statutory minimum wage. The operation began in January, after initial signs were detected in July 2023, when one migrant was caught at Frankfurt Airport without a valid work permit. Similar cases were later identified at Stuttgart and Frankfurt airports, leading customs to uncover illegal workers in several companies, including a cement plant.
The traffickers allegedly used counterfeit EU identity cards to facilitate employment for these migrants, allowing them to work without proper authorization. Investigations are focusing on human trafficking for financial gain, employment of unauthorized foreign workers, and document forgery. The federal customs office in Karlsruhe is also investigating the suspected misappropriation of social security payments. The German government recently increased border controls to address rising irregular migration and security concerns, following a fatal knife attack in Solingen and increased support for the anti-migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in recent state elections.
Source: dpa, Reuters
So what
Groups like this are likely contributing to the immigration crisis facing Europe as it opens the possibility of working for a considerably better wage than in their home country. This is not to say there aren’t other significant factors, but this will likely contribute.
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