Police Raid on Asian Buffet Restaurant in Rostock: Allegations of Tax Fraud Uncovered

On December 10th, law enforcement officers executed a dramatic raid at the Gxxxxx Bxx restaurant, an Asian buffet located near the Warnow River in Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The operation led to the confiscation of documents and cash register systems due to serious allegations of large-scale tax evasion.

The Raid: What Happened?

According to the local newspaper, Ostsee Zeitung, the police and tax investigation department carried out their surprise inspection in the middle of the restaurant’s operating hours. The accusations are severe, involving alleged tax fraud amounting to millions of euros. Throughout the lengthy hours of searching, a significant number of documents and the restaurant’s cash register system were seized. All employees, including chefs and servers, underwent scrutiny by the authorities.

By approximately 2 PM, patrons were enjoying their lunch when law enforcement officials stormed the premises, loudly announcing their presence with shouts of “Police!” and “Put down what you’re holding!” One diner, who requested anonymity, likened the chaotic scene to a movie. Witnesses noted that some of the restaurant staff attempted to flee in the midst of the turmoil. “This scene was quite disheartening,” shared a woman who had intended to enjoy a leisurely meal.

Customer Reactions

Many witnesses reported that a group of elderly female customers was particularly frightened by the sudden commotion. “Their cutlery nearly fell to the ground,” one patron described. The officers ordered all employees to line up, closely monitored by three police officers. Subsequently, staff members were taken into separate rooms for individual searches, where they were instructed to stand with their arms up and legs apart. Meanwhile, several tax officials conducted a thorough search of the restaurant, seizing a large volume of documents and cash registers to transport them out in sizeable containers.

Subsequent Developments

The raid extended until about 8 PM that same evening, but astonishingly, no arrests were made. The restaurant was forced to close for the investigation, but resumed normal operations the following day around noon, putting up a handwritten sign at the door that read: “Computer Failure — Cash Only.”

Ongoing Investigations

As reported by BILD, the investigation by tax authorities is still in its early stages. The examination and analysis of the considerable amount of documents and technical equipment collected will play a crucial role in determining whether the restaurant is truly involved in tax fraud amounting to millions of euros. Following the raid, police officers conducted individual interviews with the staff. Internal sources indicate that the focus of the investigation is primarily on tax evasion, potentially reaching sums in the millions. However, Manuela Merkel, a spokesperson for the Rostock prosecutor’s office, declined to comment further on the matter.

Conclusion

The recent raid at the Rostock restaurant has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about tax compliance and legal accountability. As the investigation unfolds, more details will emerge that may have lasting implications for the restaurant and its employees.