Unpaid labor on construction sites in Thuringia and south-west Saxony under financial control of HZA-EF, according to reports.
On June 16, 2025, the Main Customs Office Erfurt carried out a nationwide focus inspection, known as the Financial Control of Illegal Employment Mediation. The inspection involved 28 construction sites, with 14 located in Thuringia and 14 in Southwest Saxony. A total of 119 customs officers were deployed, with 81 in Thuringia and 38 in Southwest Saxony.
The inspection focused on compliance with the minimum wage, proper registration of employees for social security, improper receipt of social benefits, and work permits for foreign nationals. During the inspection, certain companies were affected, and an investigation was initiated due to violations of immigration regulations. As a result, 12 investigations were carried out on-site.
Officers questioned a total of 615 employees about their employment status, with 455 in Thuringia and 160 in Southwest Saxony. The data collected from these employees will be reconciled with the wage and financial accounting of the employers to ensure compliance with the regulations.
It is important to note that agreements with employers that fall below the minimum wage entitlement are invalid. Penalties will be imposed if such agreements are discovered during the inspection. In the roofing, electrical, and scaffolding trades, branch-specific minimum wages apply. In all other construction sectors, the general statutory minimum wage of 12.82 euros gross per hour applies.
The customs office maintains close information exchange with the German Pension Insurance and other authorities to ensure a comprehensive approach to combating illegal employment practices. The report does not specify any findings or penalties related to the 41 cases of possible irregularities identified during the inspection. However, the investigation is ongoing, and penalties may be imposed if violations are confirmed.
For more information, inquiries can be directed to the Main Customs Office Erfurt. The contact details are: Carlito Klaus, Telephone: 0361 60176-109, Email: [email protected], Website: www.zoll.de.
The customs office will continue to conduct extensive business records checks following the focus inspection to ensure compliance with employment regulations and protect the rights of workers in the construction sector.
