Major raid in Görlitz: Entrepreneurs arrested for illegal gambling!

Major raid in Görlitz: Entrepreneurs arrested for illegal gambling!

Things are currently very busy in Görlitz. After the arrest of entrepreneur Stefan Menzel on Thursday on suspicion of various legal violations, there is a lot of excitement. Menzel, who runs several businesses in the city, is the focus of a large-scale raid conducted by multiple agencies on Wednesday and Thursday.

The whole thing began on Wednesday in the east of Görlitz, when investigators searched both business and private premises in eleven properties. The police discovered that Menzel was charged with, among other things, delaying insolvency, bankruptcy, illegal gambling and tax evasion. Evidence was found that points to violations of the State Treaty on Gambling. A lack of gambling permits was found in the properties searched, including a casino on Bahnhofstrasse. In addition to a casino, the popular bikini bar on Berliner Straße was also affected, but remains open.

Current situation and effects

Although Menzel is in custody and his gambling activities have been curtailed for the time being, the catering industry at Landeskrone, which Patrick Lukoschek and Heiko Mantel took over in May, remains open regardless of these events. Regular opening times and a strong commitment from the new operators ensure that guests who want to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area are still welcome.

Meanwhile, the investigation has also led to the closure of five arcades. The Saxony State Directorate played a leading role in this measure. According to reports, investigators confiscated cash and valuables amounting to over 190,000 euros in banknotes and 400 kilograms of coins. The list of confiscated items also includes a Mercedes G-Class, which is estimated to be worth around 180,000 euros.

What happens to the shops?

The tourist train, known as the Landskron Express, and the city tour buses are currently not in use and tickets cannot be booked online. The passenger ship EMS Berzdorf, which brought Menzel to Lake Berzdorf in the summer of 2023, continues to sail smoothly. A statement from EMS Berzdorf on its Facebook page makes it clear that it wants to distance itself from speculation about the activities of the former managing director. However, the current contact via the previous email address is temporarily disrupted; a new address is offered instead: emsberzdorf@gmail.com.

The situation in Görlitz continues to be closely monitored as authorities advance their investigation and gather further information about entrepreneur Menzel's illegal practices. It is hoped for the residents and the catering industry that the situation will soon return to normal and that the guests of Görlitz can be offered a carefree experience.

The healthy mix of traditional gastronomy and leisure activities remains despite the turbulence and ensures that visiting Görlitz remains attractive.

Read more about these developments at Sächsische.de, Day24 and MDR.de.