German police raids family clan suspected of human trafficking and fraud

BERLIN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- With more than 200 Police officers and investigators, German Police searched a total of 13 residential properties of an extended family of Polish-German nationality on Wednesday.

The investigation is based on the "suspicion of gang and trade fraud to the detriment of insurers, social assistance fraud, falsification of documents and human trafficking", Lueneburg Police announced.

The Police raids took place at the same time in the three federal states where the residential properties of the extended family are located.

German Police forces seized extensive evidence in the form of documents, cash, jewelry and valuables worth more than 50,000 euros (56,300 U.S. dollars). An arrest warrant was issued against an accused resident for commercial fraud.

Three Polish citizens who might have been "exploited as labor force" were found in the searched housing complexes as well, Lueneburg Police announced.

According to Lueneburg Police, preceding investigations had been ongoing for months and were supported by Germany's welfare authorities "with the aim of cancelling, discontinuing and reclaiming undue social benefits". Enditem