Customs Authority in Koblenz: Overseeing Forwarding, Transport, and Logistics Operations
The Financial Control of Under-the-Table Work (FKS) of the Main Customs Office Koblenz carried out inspections on November 12, 2024, targeting the logistics, transport, and shipping industry in Koblenz, Mainz, and Trier. The investigations, which are still ongoing as of mid-2025, have identified 58 cases requiring further review by the FKS.
The FKS is actively investigating cases involving under-the-table employment in these regions, with a focus on minimum wage violations, evasion of social security contributions, immigration violations, and abuse of services. Approximately half of the suspected cases involve minimum wage violations, while suspicions of evasion of contributions, violations of immigration regulations, and abuse of services have also been raised.
Inspections have led to nine criminal proceedings for violating residence rights being initiated on-site, and over 270 employees from various companies have been inspected and questioned in detail about their employment status. The FKS works closely with immigration authorities to detect illegal employment of foreign nationals without proper work permits or residency status.
The Main Customs Office Koblenz has intensified its inspections, particularly in sectors known for a high risk of undeclared work such as construction, hospitality, and cleaning services. Enforcement efforts have also been ramped up, with higher fines and penalties being issued, and cases referred for criminal prosecution when serious violations are uncovered.
The Main Customs Office in Koblenz coordinates its efforts with local labor offices and immigration authorities in Mainz and Trier to broaden the scope and effectiveness of investigations. Alongside enforcement, the FKS has supported informational campaigns to educate employers and workers on legal obligations and the dangers of undeclared employment.
For inquiries, please contact Thomas Molitor, the Press Spokesperson for the Main Customs Office Koblenz, at [email protected] or 0261 - 98376 1300. More information can be found on the official website of the Main Customs Office Koblenz at www.zoll.de.
The investigations by the Financial Control of Under-the-Table Work (FKS) have uncovered business activities across multiple industries, including logistics, transport, and shipping, where financial contributions have allegedly been evaded, and labor regulations disregarded. To address the identified violations, the FKS is working closely with authorities to instigate legal actions, issue higher penalties, and refer cases for criminal prosecution, with the aim of maintaining integrity within the finance, business, and logistics sectors.
