Major raid against undeclared work: 680,000 euros seized in Osnabrück!

Major raid against undeclared work: 680,000 euros seized in Osnabrück!

In a large-scale operation today, more than 200 customs officers searched the buildings of nine construction companies in Osnabrück and North Rhine-Westphalia. This raid took place as part of investigations by the public prosecutor's offices in Osnabrück and Oldenburg, and there is suspicion that nine people did not pay social security contributions and payroll taxes for their employees. Customs seized evidence, including computers and cell phones, and confiscated a total of 680,000 euros from a company account. However, it remains unclear how great the damage actually is; the main customs office suspects that it could be significantly higher than the confiscated sum, as NDR reports.

During today's searches, 22 residential and commercial properties in and around Oldenburg were also examined, which indicates a comprehensive, coordinated effort by the authorities. These measures are part of a nationwide initiative to combat undeclared work and tax evasion, which was recently launched by the federal government. The Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil has emphasized the importance of intensifying the fight against financial crime, with the financial control of undeclared employment being strengthened in its role. For example, the aim is to participate in the police information network and improve telecommunications surveillance. Automated data analysis should also help to identify undeclared work more efficiently, as the [Federal Government](https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/DE/Press Releases/Finanzpolitik/2025/08/2025-08-06-bekaempfung-schwarzarbeit.html) reports.

Nationwide efforts against undeclared work

The measures aim to significantly expand the competencies of financial control, which is particularly important in heavily affected sectors such as hairdressing and beauty salons. The improved exchange of data between the tax authorities and the German pension insurance should enable misconduct in subcontractor chains to be discovered more quickly. This strategy is necessary not only to combat economic irregularities but also to promote fair competition.

Today's operation in Osnabrück is a clear indication that the authorities are taking no prisoners when it comes to enforcing integrity corporate practices and protecting the tax base. Given the significant sums lost through possible undeclared work, such operations are important to show the public that serious efforts are being made behind the scenes to maintain confidence in the economic environment.

The customs raid should serve as a wake-up call for all companies in the construction industry and beyond. Together with the federal government's comprehensive measures against undeclared work, it shows that the issue is at the top of the political agenda. Now it remains to be seen how the investigation develops and what consequences the affected companies can expect.