Germany Intensifies Inspections on Courier Industry, Over 50 Criminal Cases Opened

German customs authorities have launched nationwide inspections targeting the courier and parcel delivery industry, focusing on illegal employment and labor compliance violations.

According to Germany’s Federal Customs Service, nearly 2,900 officers participated in inspections conducted on May 6, questioning around 7,000 workers and reviewing approximately 500 company records.

Authorities confirmed that the operation has already resulted in more than 50 criminal investigations and over 330 administrative cases, while additional leads remain under review.

The inspections mainly targeted suspected violations involving minimum wage rules, social insurance fraud, and illegal employment practices. German officials stated that stricter enforcement is intended to protect fair competition and improve labor standards across the logistics sector.

Industry analysts believe the crackdown could increase compliance costs for courier companies, especially subcontracted delivery operators heavily involved in Europe’s fast-growing e-commerce market.