German authorities have carried out a large-scale operation against a suspected international network accused of illegally obtaining Schengen visas for Uzbek citizens through forged documents and fraudulent applications, DPA reported.
According to Germany's public prosecutor's office, the investigation focuses on allegations of migrant smuggling, facilitating illegal residence, visa fraud and document forgery.
As part of the operation, law enforcement officers conducted searches at seven locations across the federal states of Hesse and Lower Saxony, deploying around 220 federal police officers.
Investigators said the case centers on an internationally active group composed primarily of Uzbek nationals. During the raids, authorities identified 12 suspects believed to be connected to the scheme. An additional nine individuals residing illegally in Germany also came under investigation.
According to preliminary findings, the suspects allegedly helped Uzbek citizens seeking employment opportunities in Europe obtain short-term Schengen visas by submitting false information to government authorities and using forged documents.
Investigators believe that after arriving in Germany, some individuals were provided with counterfeit European Union identity documents. These documents were allegedly used to open bank accounts, activate mobile phone numbers and register with various public authorities and insurance systems.
German law enforcement agencies estimate that the group may have arranged visas for at least 76 Uzbek citizens.
According to prosecutors, clients were reportedly charged €2,000 ($2,304) for a visa, another €2,000 ($2,304) for airline tickets and €400 ($460) for a forged driver's license.
During the searches, authorities seized suspected forged identity documents and driver's licenses believed to originate from several European countries, along with more than 20 mobile phones, two laptops, and a range of banking, insurance and registration documents.
The investigation reportedly began in October 2025, when German authorities inspected an Uzbek citizen traveling on an international bus route from Prague to Amsterdam.
According to investigators, officers discovered several forged Latvian identity cards and a counterfeit Polish driver's license among the passenger's belongings. The discovery prompted authorities to launch a broader inquiry aimed at identifying those behind the suspected network.
The investigation remains ongoing, and German prosecutors are considering requesting pre-trial detention for the alleged ringleader.
