A major special operation has been launched in Germany against an international network suspected of illegally procuring Schengen visas for citizens of Uzbekistan, the DPA news agency reported.
According to the German Prosecutor's Office, the ongoing investigation targets human smuggling, facilitating illegal residency, visa fraud, and the forgery of official documents.
As part of the operation, law enforcement personnel raided seven locations across the German federal states of Hesse and Lower Saxony. Approximately 220 federal police officers were deployed to execute the raids.
"Investigators are focusing on an internationally active network primarily composed of Uzbek citizens. During the searches, 12 suspects were identified, and an additional nine individuals found residing in Germany illegally were taken into custody for questioning," the report states.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects procured short-term Schengen visas for Uzbek citizens seeking employment in Europe. To secure these visas, the network reportedly provided fraudulent information to state authorities and utilized falsified documents.
Law enforcement authorities report that the network is suspected of procuring visas for at least 76 citizens of Uzbekistan. The illicit scheme charged €2,000 for a single visa, an additional €2,000 for airfare, and €400 for a counterfeit driving license.
During the raids, police seized an array of falsified ID documents and driving licenses purportedly from various European countries, over 20 mobile phones, and two laptops. Financial records, insurance policies, and registration forms were also confiscated.
The investigation reportedly began in October 2025 following a routine inspection of an Uzbek citizen on an international bus traveling from Prague to Amsterdam. A search of the passenger's luggage uncovered several counterfeit Latvian identity cards and a forged Polish driving license. This discovery prompted investigators to begin tracking the individuals operating behind the underground network.
Notably, in mid-May, it was reported that Schengen visa regulations had been tightened for Russian citizens following an incident where Italy's former ambassador to Uzbekistan was implicated in selling visas.
The investigation is ongoing. The German Prosecutor's Office is currently considering placing the primary suspect under pre-trial detention.
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