Customs raid in Oberthal: massive exploitation of workers uncovered!

Customs raid in Oberthal: massive exploitation of workers uncovered!

In Oberthal, in the St. Wendel district, customs carried out a large-scale raid on a construction site today. Massive violations of workers' rights were discovered during the operations. Apparently there has been exploitation of employees who are not allowed to work in Germany. It also shows that social security funds were cheated by these practices. Timo Ahr, the Saar boss of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), speaks of a worrying trend and does not see these incidents as isolated cases. According to Saarbrücker Zeitung it remains to be seen what legal consequences will follow from the identified violations.

The raid in Oberthal is not the only incident that concerns the authorities. Just recently there was a similar situation in Heilbronn in March 2025, which suggests an organized approach. There, the Central Customs Office's financial control for undeclared work carried out searches based on months of undercover investigations. Suspicion exists against a total of 12 main suspects between the ages of 26 and 63 for gang and commercial smuggling and illegal hiring out of workers. The operations mobilized over 500 emergency services, including special police units. 38 properties were affected, including private and commercial premises as well as accommodation buildings.

Serious allegations and comprehensive investigations

People without residence or work permits were also found in Heilbronn, as were others who were traveling with fake identity cards. Documents, digital storage media and extensive assets were also seized during these searches. Six suspects who already had arrest warrants against them were arrested and brought before magistrates. The investigation and analysis of the evidence collected is ongoing. These incidents demonstrate the dimension of illegal employment that extends across several federal states, according to information from [ Zoll.de ](https://www.zoll.de/SharedDocs/Press Releases/DE/Schwarzarbeitsbekaempfung/2025/z38_festnahme_hb.html).

The problems with the exploitation of workers are not just regional. They represent a significant social and economic problem. Timo Ahr emphasizes that such practices are unacceptable and consistent punishment is necessary to protect and guarantee the rights of workers. The renewed discovery of massive violations in Oberthal shows how urgently measures are needed to combat illegal employment and exploitation.