Federal police in southwestern Germany conducted extensive raids in Mannheim, Karlsruhe, and Worms on September 24, 2024, targeting a suspected human trafficking operation. Approximately 400 officers searched 24 properties, resulting in the arrest of at least four individuals, with investigations ongoing into a seven-person group suspected of facilitating illegal work for migrants from the Caucasus region.
The operation was initiated following investigations that began in January 2024, which were triggered by the apprehension of a migrant attempting to leave Germany without a valid work permit. This led to further inspections at major airports, revealing multiple instances of illegal employment.
Authorities uncovered that the group allegedly used counterfeit EU identity cards to enable migrants to secure jobs in Germany while paying them below the statutory minimum wage. The investigation also involves the federal customs office due to potential misappropriation of social security payments. This crackdown coincides with the German government's recent implementation of tighter border controls aimed at addressing irregular migration and enhancing public security.