On Wednesday and Thursday, 10 and 11 June, the City of Chemnitz, in cooperation with the Chemnitz Jobcentre, carried out coordinated checks regarding the obligation to register and health and safety measures. The City of Chemnitz was supported in this by the Chemnitz Police Headquarters and the Saxon riot police; more than 30 officers from various agencies were deployed. Properties in the Sonnenberg and Schloßchemnitz districts were inspected.
This follows reports that the registration requirement was not being met and that some properties were allegedly infested with pests. Furthermore, there are significant issues regarding child protection, requiring the Youth Welfare Office to take extensive action. In addition, there have been complaints from residents regarding noise disturbances and an extremely high volume of rubbish dumped in public spaces and at waste container sites. The number of offences relating to children and young people, assault, breach of the peace, as well as robbery and threats in the area has risen.
The properties inspected are known for being the subject of repeated complaints from local residents. Numerous authorities are now dealing with the influx of migrants from the EU organised by a German landlord. Furthermore, the business model whereby rental income is generated directly through social benefits is to be stopped.
Mayor Knut Kunze: “We must respond appropriately to residents’ complaints. EU regulations on the posting of workers must not lead to them being exploited to gain comprehensive access to social benefits in Germany. Furthermore, it is unacceptable that business is being conducted at the expense of the very poorest people in Europe. We expect the federal government to amend the legal regulations in such a way as to limit this abuse.”
The inspection measures revealed the following findings:
- Attempted fraud with the aim of fraudulently obtaining one-off social benefits,
- Attempt to continue receiving social benefits without legal grounds,
- Suspicions of fraudulently obtaining benefits,
- Findings of acute risk to the welfare of children and the initiation of appropriate measures,
- Enforcement of outstanding fines,
- Findings of breaches of compulsory schooling, and
- Initial suspicion of offences under the Criminal Code that give rise to further investigations.
The results of the checks highlight the need for action reported by local authorities across the country.