The Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into six employees of the Munich Immigration Office on charges of corruption. Searches were conducted at the Immigration Office and at the homes of four of the suspects. The prosecution detained the accused based on arrest warrants issued by the Munich District Court. In addition, another suspect, who works outside Bavaria, was arrested and taken into custody a few days earlier.
The prosecution is investigating suspected forgery and bribery offenses that occurred at the Immigration Office between May 2022 and January 2024, involving six employees, including one former employee. A spokeswoman for the Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the primary charges involve bribery and forgery, specifically related to “cooperation in making illegal administrative decisions in immigration matters in exchange for money.”
The City of Munich conducted an internal investigation in cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Authority and the Internal Audit Office after discovering irregularities in case handling. Following the investigation, the city filed a complaint with the Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office, submitting a report and several documents indicating suspicions of corruption, including forgery and bribery.
According to a spokeswoman for the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation revealed that an employee from outside the city arranged contacts between immigration officials and foreign nationals to facilitate the issuance of documents, such as residence and work permits, in exchange for money.
The revelations sparked outrage and shock in the City of Munich. Local administration official Hanna Sammüller-Gradl stated, “Like the entire state capital of Munich, the district follows a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and reports any suspicions without hesitation.”
Manuel Pretzl, leader of the CSU parliamentary group in the Munich City Council, also expressed deep concern: “I am deeply disturbed by the reports of suspected corruption within the Immigration Office. These serious allegations must be thoroughly investigated.” Pretzl added, “Asylum and migration issues are currently under greater political scrutiny than ever before.”
The City Council Bloc requested that the mayor clarify the issue and its effects on the administration of the district, which employs 3,800 staff members.
