This operation stems from an investigation initiated in November 2023, led by the Federal Police Inspection in Rostock at the request of the Hannover Public Prosecutor's Office.
Authorities believe the gang engaged in systematic and organized smuggling of foreigners, raising serious concerns about the treatment of those involved.
Among the suspects are three individuals aged between 50 and 57, accused of defrauding wealthy Chinese nationals out of over 5.6 million euros by promising residence permits in exchange for investment funds.
There are allegations of bribery involving public officials to facilitate the issuance of residency permits for the gang's clients.
Two lawyers are suspected to be the masterminds behind this smuggling operation, which has drawn significant attention from authorities.
As a result of the raids, two suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention, while a third suspect remains at large outside Germany.
On January 29, 2025, a significant operation was launched by German police against a smuggling gang operating across five states.
In addition to police forces, 15 tax investigators from the Wiesbaden tax office participated, highlighting the investigation's focus on financial aspects.
Further details about the suspects and the ongoing investigation have yet to be disclosed, as authorities continue to gather evidence.
The scale of the operation involved approximately 400 law enforcement officers executing searches at 15 locations, including Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Berlin, and Nordrhein-Westfalen.
The smuggling ring is suspected of transporting individuals from Hungary and Austria into Germany, often under inhumane conditions.
The operation also included searches at ten residential and commercial properties linked to the suspected smuggling ring in Krefeld and Niederdorfelden.
