Corruption in the German Migration Service, according to the Munich public prosecutor’s office, three suspects — two women and one man — were arrested on Thursday in connection with an alleged “visa-for-cash” network operating within the city’s immigration department, the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR).
What Was Found
- The group allegedly issued residence permits to foreign nationals in exchange for bribes.
- During coordinated raids in Munich and the Greater Augsburg area, investigators discovered around €100,000 in cash in one apartment.
- Charges include:
- Organized assistance in illegal immigration.
- Forgery of documents and bribery.
- One female suspect, allegedly a KVR official, issued permits for payments.
- Two others served as intermediaries, linking mostly Vietnamese applicants with the insider and charging €500–€2,500 per case.
- The investigation was triggered after an internal audit at KVR discovered irregularities and reported them to the anti-corruption authority.
Key Parameters of the Case
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of arrests | 3 people (2 women, 1 man) |
| Cash seized | ≈ €100,000 |
| Payment scheme | €500–€2,500 per case |
| Raid locations | Munich + Greater Augsburg region |
| Investigation status | Ongoing, further arrests possible |
Corruption in the German Migration Service
The legal breaches described in this case may have serious consequences: erosion of public trust in immigration procedures, increased oversight and restructuring of the KVR department, and criminal prosecution of those involved with possible lengthy imprisonment.