Fraud in German and Naturalization Tests: Multiple Arrests - German police uncover massive fraud in citizenship and language tests
Police in Nuremberg have exposed a widespread fraud operation targeting German language and citizenship tests. The scheme involved imposters taking exams on behalf of migrants seeking residency or citizenship. Authorities believe the network extends across the country, with dozens of cases likely uncovered.
The investigation began after examiners issued legitimate certificates to imposters. These documents were later used to secure residency permits or citizenship for others. A key suspect, a 39-year-old Iraqi man, allegedly recruited fluent German speakers to sit exams for migrants. He remains in pretrial detention.
Imposters reportedly used fake IDs with their own photos but the personal details of the individuals required to take the tests. Fees for each proxy exam ranged from €2,500 to €6,000. In December, ten stand-ins were caught at a language school in North Rhine-Westphalia. The operation expanded further in January when a 22-year-old German national was arrested while attempting to take a test for someone else. Authorities now expect the total number of cases to reach a high double-digit figure as the probe continues nationwide.
The fraud scheme relied on genuine certificates issued to imposters, enabling migrants to obtain legal status illegally. With arrests already made and more cases under review, the investigation is likely to widen. Police have warned that the network’s reach may extend beyond the cases already identified.
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