The customs authorities announced on Thursday that they have opened more than 800 investigations following a nationwide focus inspection of the construction sector. Back on Tuesday, about 3,200 officers interviewed roughly 8,000 workers on sites, asking about their employment conditions, and reviewed the business records of just over 300 employers.
On the sites, the officers initiated around 340 criminal cases and 500 administrative‑violation proceedings. About 250 cases involved suspicions of illegal residence, 40 concerned the withholding of social‑security contributions, and 220 were for the alleged employment of foreign workers without valid work permits. In more than 100 instances, the duty to carry identification documents was breached.
Nearly 2,200 additional cases revealed indications of possible violations that are now being further examined. In almost 600 cases, employers are suspected of not correctly registering their employees with social security. Over 670 employers face allegations of failing to pay the minimum wage, and 60 cases show signs of benefit abuse.