German Police Raid Suspected Syrian Trafficking Network in Major Anti-Fraud Operation

Berlin— German police launched large-scale raids targeting a suspected human trafficking ring accused of misusing Syrian refugees’ residency documents to facilitate illegal entry into the country, authorities said on Tuesday.

Around 1,000 officers searched more than 50 residential and commercial properties in and around Leipzig, according to federal police based in Halle an der Saale. The operation focused on a network believed to have sent legitimate residency documents issued in Germany to individuals in Syria with similar physical appearances.

Authorities said most of those targeted were suspected of allowing their documents to be used in the scheme, while a smaller number were accused of facilitating unauthorized entry into Germany.Police seized evidence including mobile phones, residency permits, flight booking records and at least 93,000 euros ($109,000) in cash during the operation.

Investigators also reported uncovering potential violations of narcotics and explosives laws, along with indications of links to organized crime.A total of 44 suspects were subjected to formal identification procedures, police said.

The investigation was supported by “document and visa advisers” deployed by German authorities at airports in the Middle East, where suspected cases of fraud were initially detected.

Since 2024, 71 such advisers have been stationed outside the European Union to assist visa processing at German embassies and to work with airlines at major international hubs.