Large-scale raids on suspected smugglers and tax evaders have been carried out in Baden-Württemberg and Berlin since evening. In total there are between 600 and 700 customs officers Federal Police as well as the tax investigation department in action, as announced by the Offenburg Federal Police. Searches of several properties and interrogation of people were still ongoing, he said. There was initially no information available about a possible arrest. However, the first evidence has been secured.
The focus of this action is on Baden-Wurttemberg. The investigators’ view includes the cities of Baden-Baden, Böblingen, Lörrach as well as the Ortenau district, the Zollernalb district and the Enz district. Searches were also carried out in Berlin.
The starting point of the action was the decision of the Baden-Baden prosecutor’s office. There are suspicions of people smuggling from third countries as well as gang-like tax and wage evasion. More information will be released on Friday, he said.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251114-930-290928/1
