Crime - Suspected smugglers: Rhine-Erft district became skeptical in 2019
In the case of suspected manipulations by alleged human traffickers with connections to wealthy Chinese individuals, the Rhein-Erft-District, according to its own statements, became skeptical in 2019 for the first time. The Foreigners Office noticed irregularities at that time, confirmed a spokesperson for the district. Therefore, the Federal Police were informed by the district in the same year. The "Cologne City Anzeiger" reported on the timeframe.
It became public knowledge in April 2024 that investigators were on the trail of an alleged human trafficking ring. The police searched premises in eight federal states during a raid. The alleged traffickers are suspected of having procured residence permits for wealthy people from China and Oman. Two lawyers were suspected to have been the masterminds. The investigators are checking whether public officials in authorities were bribed to obtain residence permits.
Chinese people were not found
According to the Rhein-Erft District spokesperson, during controls in 2019 it was found that Chinese people, for whom applications for a residence permit had been made, were not to be found at their alleged places of residence and business sites. Only one invitation to appear at the Foreigners Office was reportedly noticed - from more than 30. Therefore, the Federal Police were involved.
According to the Düsseldorf Public Prosecutor's Office, investigations are ongoing against 58 suspects and 147 alleged beneficiaries who are suspected of having obtained residence titles illegally through the traffickers.
- The suspected human trafficking activities in the Bergheim area, part of the Rhine-Erft district in North Rhine-Westphalia, gained attention in 2019, as reported by the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
- The alleged smuggling gang was suspected of helping wealthy individuals from China and Oman secure residence permits, a crime that was uncovered in April 2024.
- The Federal Police were involved in these investigations due to concerns raised by the Rhine-Erft District in 2019, after inconsistencies were discovered in the whereabouts of several Chinese applicants for residence permits.
- In 2019, officials in the Rhine-Erft District found that many Chinese individuals, for whom applications had been made, were not present at their stated residences or places of business, leading to further investigation.
- The smuggling gang is under investigation in Germany, with the Düsseldorf Public Prosecutor's Office currently looking into alleged crimes committed by 58 suspects and 147 beneficiaries, some of whom are believed to be from China.
