Photo by Ozkan Guner on Unsplash
Wide-Ranging Raids on Nail Studios Uncover Large-Scale Illegal Employment
Over 1,000 law enforcement officers conducted raids on January 14, 2026, targeting nail studios in five German states: North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, and Lower Saxony. Authorities searched a total of 49 residential and business premises related to illegal employment practices and tax evasion. The operations focused on a 56-year-old man from Düsseldorf suspected of orchestrating a criminal network that smuggled foreign workers into Germany and exploited them in nail salons. This extensive investigation revealed an estimated financial damage exceeding seven million euros due to undeclared wages and revenues. Alongside the main suspect, 26 others are under scrutiny, including two nail studio managers aged 36 and 44, both of whom were arrested and later placed in investigative custody [Source 1] [Source 8].
Impact on Expats, Foreign Workers, and International Students in Germany
This law enforcement initiative highlights the ongoing crackdown on illegal employment schemes affecting foreign nationals working in the personal care industry. Expats and international workers involved in unregistered employment should be aware of their rights and the legal obligations surrounding work permits and taxation in Germany. The raids underscore the risks of engaging in undeclared work, which can lead to legal consequences including detention or deportation. Those employed in such sectors are advised to verify their employment contracts comply with German labor and tax regulations. Additionally, recognizing exploitative working conditions—such as unpaid wages or forced labor—is crucial. Authorities involved in the investigation include the Federal Police, the Düsseldorf Customs Office, and the State Office for the Fight Against Financial Crime, underscoring the multi-agency approach to combat these offenses [Source 1] [Source 7].
Practical implications for expats include reviewing work and residency permits to ensure legality, maintaining transparent documentation of employment, and seeking legal advice if uncertain about work conditions. International students working in such industries should also be cautious, as unauthorized work might affect their residence status or future visa applications.
Details of the Criminal Network and Police Actions
The 56-year-old suspect allegedly operated multiple nail salons simultaneously for over 16 years in cities including Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Stuttgart, and within the Darmstadt-Dieburg district. The operation involved large-scale human trafficking and systematic evasion of taxes and social security contributions. The investigation has led to at least three arrest warrants executed in Düsseldorf and Dortmund. Police carried out raids in numerous locations such as Augsburg, Bochum, Essen, and Stuttgart. Notably, conditions uncovered at some workplaces included workers without proper work permits, often housed in substandard accommodations, suggesting possible cases of forced labor [Source 3] [Source 4] [Source 7].
Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of such crimes, which not only violate labor laws but also impact public revenue and social welfare systems. The crackdown serves as a warning and a signal of commitment by German authorities to dismantle criminal labor networks.
