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German and Austrian authorities dismantle language certificate fraud ring
Law enforcement agencies in Germany and Austria, supported by Europol, have dismantled an organized crime network involved in the large-scale production and sale of fraudulent language certificates. The certificates were used by individuals to facilitate naturalization and residency permit applications.
Following raids on more than 30 locations, including sites in North Rhine-Westphalia and Munich, authorities arrested seven suspects aged between 26 and 46. Investigators discovered a professional forgery workshop equipped with high-quality printers used to create fake documents and IDs. A firearm was also seized from one suspect.
According to investigators, the group initially forged certificates directly. As authorities increased scrutiny, the network shifted tactics by sending proxy individuals to take language exams using forged identification. The investigation, which has been ongoing since 2025, involves charges of professional forgery and the organized smuggling of foreigners.
Entities
Aschaffenburg Prosecutor's Office · Aschaffenburg Public Prosecutor's Office · Austria · Europol · Germany · Munich
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The investigation included cooperation with Austrian authorities and Europol. supertipp-online.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Investigators discovered a professional forgery workshop with high-quality printers. supertipp-online.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] The operation involved searches in more than 30 locations. supertipp-online.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Seven suspects aged 26 to 46 were arrested. supertipp-online.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] The suspects allegedly used forged IDs to send proxy persons to language exams. supertipp-online.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] A firearm was found during the search of one suspect. supertipp-online.de · www.dattelner-morgenpost.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.hellwegeranzeiger.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de