The Customs Financial Control Unit for Undocumented Labour (FKS) launched more than 52,100 administrative infringement procedures and about 98,200 criminal cases nationwide in 2025, the German Federal Customs Office announced. In 2024 the numbers were 49,700 infringements and roughly 96,800 criminal cases, so both categories rose year over year.
The unit also closed more cases: about 93,500 criminal cases and 49,500 administrative cases were concluded in 2025, compared with 90,800 criminal and 46,500 administrative cases in 2024. Approximately 25,800 employers were inspected by the FKS in the last year-up from 25,300 in 2024. Investigations resulted in almost 1,200 years of imprisonment and uncovered total damages of around €675 million. The damage estimate includes unpaid social‑security contributions, taxes and other losses such as unpaid minimum wages.
A new law, effective at the end of 2025, modernises and digitalises the fight against undocumented labour. It should strengthen the FKS by providing advanced data‑analysis tools to better identify high‑risk audit targets and by expanding the unit’s authorities.