German police launched large-scale raids targeting a trafficking ring accused of misusing Syrian refugees' residency documents to bring more people into the country fraudulently. Around 1,000 officers searched more than 50 properties in and around Leipzig, focusing on suspects believed to have participated in the scheme.

Investigators said genuine residency permits issued to Syrian refugees in Germany were allegedly sent to individuals in Syria with similar appearances, enabling unauthorized travel. Most suspects are accused of allowing their documents to be used, while others are suspected of facilitating unauthorized entry.

Authorities seized mobile phones, residency papers, flight booking records, and at least 93,000 euros in cash. Police also reported possible violations of narcotics and explosives laws and indications of links to organized crime. Forty-four suspects underwent formal identification procedures, and many cases were flagged with assistance from German police advisers stationed at airports in the Middle East.