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The focus is on undeclared work: controls in Saxony-Anhalt show alarming figures
Nationwide audits against undeclared work in the construction industry: 81 controls in Mansfeld-Südharz, 15 proceedings initiated.
The focus is on undeclared work: controls in Saxony-Anhalt show alarming figures
On June 16, 2025, a comprehensive nationwide audit against undeclared work in the construction industry took place in Saxony-Anhalt, which was organized by the Magdeburg Main Customs Office. During the audit, 81 employees from the Financial Control for Undeclared Work (FKS) were on the move, checking a total of 18 properties in various cities such as Wittenberge, Dessau-Roßlau, Halle (Saale) and Merseburg. Loud Magdeburg News 297 employees were surveyed and two employer audits were carried out.
The results of this initiative are revealing. A total of 15 criminal proceedings and 14 administrative offense proceedings were initiated, with 34 cases requiring further investigation. In 9 of these cases, the investigators found abnormalities in the minimum wage. There were almost several attempts by employees to escape that failed in Halle (Saale) and Merseburg. Another shock was that several workers were employed without the required residence permit. A total of 29 investigations were initiated on suspicion of illegal residence and employment, 22 of which concerned Halle (Saale) and Merseburg.
The role of financial control for undeclared work
The financial control of undeclared work is an important unit of German customs with the aim of combating undeclared work and illegal employment. How Wikipedia reports, the FKS has the task of checking compliance with social security regulations and reporting obligations. The control of social benefits in accordance with SGB II and SGB III as well as compliance with working conditions in accordance with the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG) also fall within their area of responsibility.
The FKS's personnel needs are currently estimated at around 9,000 workers, with a planned increase to up to 11,500 by 2029, which shows how seriously the authorities are taking the fight against undeclared work. The expansion of tasks that came with the Anti-Clandestine Employment Act (SchwarzArbG) in 2019 gives the FKS expanded audit and investigative powers in order to take more effective action against employers who do not fulfill their obligations.
Consequences and penalties
The consequences for violating the law are significant. In 2024, the damage caused by undeclared work totaled around 766 million euros. Almost 97,000 investigations were initiated, which shows the scale of the problem. Courts imposed a total of 1,277 years in prison for undeclared work the Federal Ministry of Finance explained.
During these checks, the FKS also meets with various authorities in order to close the gaps in the situation and obtain the necessary data for follow-up. Particular attention is paid to the illegal employment of non-EU citizens, which, according to legal regulations, can result in severe penalties for employers.
It remains to be seen whether the results of this large-scale test in Saxony-Anhalt will actually lead to a significant improvement in the situation. One thing is clear, however: undeclared work remains a hot topic that puts a strain on both the economy and social cohesion in Germany.