The main customs office and the Berlin criminal police took action against a suspected smuggling gang with a large-scale raid in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Nine defendants between the ages of 36 and 66 are suspected of having recruited and exploited at least 20 victims as specialty chefs in various restaurants in recent years. This was announced by the Berlin public prosecutor's office.
Overcrowded accommodation, up to 13 hours of work every day
On Wednesday evening, 380 emergency services searched a total of 22 locations, including eight of the accused's apartments and seven restaurants. Evidence was secured. According to the information, the accused, acting as a gang, took away the victims' ID cards, which left them at their mercy.
The injured parties then had to work up to 13 hours a day and were paid a wage that was up to 75 percent below the minimum wage. In addition, the victims, most of whom came from India, were housed in overcrowded accommodation. There they are said to have lived in very small spaces - sometimes in the cellars of various restaurants, as it was said.
svs/dpa