German Police Detect Irregular Entries and Visa Fraud Ahead of European Championship
Key Takeaways
1. Nearly 1,400 irregular border crossings into Germany were recorded the week before the European Championship opened.
2. Many EU and non-EU nationals were denied entry to Germany for reasons including possession of drugs and fraudulent visas.
3. Until July 14, 22,000 police officers will be on duty.
The Federal Police reported 1,400 irregular border entries and caught around 900 people attempting to cross into Germany between June 7 and 13.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed the news to local media, revealing that 173 arrest warrants had been issued.
The European Championship, which brings together national football teams from across Europe, has drawn millions of fans. In response, Germany has taken measures to prevent irregularities and illegal entries, including temporarily closing internal borders with Schengen countries.
"During the temporary controls I ordered at all German borders, the Federal Police executed 173 arrest warrants and prevented 900 illegal entries within a week. This shows that our measures are working. Above all, we want to identify and stop violent offenders early," said Faeser.
3 Slovenians Denied Entry for Drug Possession
Three Slovenian citizens were denied entry and sent back to Austria after inspections revealed the driver was carrying 40 grams of marijuana and four fireworks, two of which lacked the required test mark. Additional drugs were found on the passengers, which were confiscated before the group was sent back to Austria. The men, aged 29 to 33, said they were heading to Stuttgart to watch the match between Slovenia and Denmark.
Russian Citizen Caught with Fake Visa
A Russian citizen attempting to enter Germany with a fake Spanish short-stay visa was caught on the Lyon-Munich bus route. The 31-year-old had entered Switzerland by plane and was traveling to Munich for the European Football Championship's opening match, presenting a ticket and hotel booking as proof. He admitted he had no plans to travel to Spain, having canceled his hotel reservation once he obtained the Schengen visa.
The Federal Police found €26,000 and seven smartphones on him. He was charged with visa fraud, illegal entry and residence, and tax evasion. His Schengen visa was canceled, and he was ordered to fly back to Moscow from Munich Airport.
Albanian National Arrested
An Albanian national traveling to watch his national team was arrested due to an existing warrant. The 37-year-old had an additional 625 days of a prison sentence to serve in Germany.