Customs Raid Finds 55 Suspected Violations in Dresden Hotel Industry
On September 19, 2025, the Main Customs Office Dresden conducted inspections in the hotel and catering industry, visiting around 30 establishments and questioning 100 employees. The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with the new minimum wage of €12.82 per hour, implemented since January 1, 2025, and social security obligations. The inspections involved 90 customs officers and representatives of the state financial administration, led by Leitender Regierungsdirektor Franz Horak, who can be contacted for inquiries regarding illegal employment investigations in hotels. One employee attempted to evade inspection by fleeing, but they were apprehended. It was discovered that their residence was tolerated but they lacked the right to work. Wanted persons and residence law violators were handed over to the relevant authorities. Extensive follow-up inspections will be conducted to compare employee data with wage and financial accounting, and to check business documents. The customs authorities' approach is risk-oriented, involving random or full inspections of all employees of a hotel. 55 suspicions of violations were found, including those related to social security and residence regulations, and compliance with the statutory minimum wage. The hotel industry, being one of the largest and most employment-intensive branches, is subject to the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG). The inspections, conducted on September 19, 2025, revealed 55 suspected violations. Follow-up inspections are planned to ensure all hotels comply with the new minimum wage and social security obligations. The Main Customs Office Dresden remains committed to enforcing these regulations in the hotel industry.
