Undeclared work: customs uncover millions in losses in 2025

During inspections in Thuringia and south-west Saxony last year, customs once again uncovered millions in losses due to undeclared work and illegal employment. The Financial Control of Undeclared Work of the main customs office in Erfurt checked 1,585 employers last year. According to the main customs office, the papers of more than 17,000 people were checked. A total of 3,472 criminal proceedings and 2,153 fine proceedings were initiated due to a large number of violations, including violations of social security obligations.

The total damage caused by undeclared work and illegal employment amounted to 76.3 million euros. According to the information provided, this resulted from unpaid or underpaid social security contributions, contributions to the social security fund of the construction industry or contributions to the employers' liability insurance associations as well as unlawfully received benefits from employment agencies and job centers or minimum wage violations, among other things.

Fine and prison sentences imposed

The investigation proceedings concluded last year resulted in prison sentences totalling 36.8 years. The fines imposed by the courts amounted to 1.1 million euros. The main customs office in Erfurt also imposed fines amounting to 4.4 million euros.

According to the annual balance sheet, the main customs office also collected 950.7 million euros in taxes and duties last year, 108.8 million euros more than in 2024. 476.5 million euros of this was attributable to import duties such as customs duties. In addition, a total of 44.5 million euros was collected from the enforcement of outstanding receivables from the federal government and social authorities.

Drugs and weapons seized

During traffic checks, customs officers seized 47.5 kilograms of narcotics, 496 kilograms of illegal fireworks, over one million contraband cigarettes and 192 weapons or weapon parts whose import is prohibited.