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Scandal surrounding integration tests in Nuremberg: Criminals sell citizenship tests through proxies
- Isabelle Manoli
- 58 minutes ago
- 3 min read
It often begins with a discreet offer in a messenger group or a meeting in a backyard. The promise sounds deceptively simple: For a sum between 2,500 and 6,000 euros, a stand-in will take over the arduous German language or naturalization test . No months of vocabulary memorization, no fear of the exam situation. But what appears to be a shortcut to a German passport often turns out to be a dead end, leading directly to a criminal court and the immigration authorities. Recent investigations by the Central Franconia Police Headquarters have uncovered a nationwide network that, with forged documents and professional " substitute test-takers, " has undermined the foundations of our immigration law.
Professional deception maneuver
The scale of the case in Nuremberg is alarming. A 39-year-old main suspect is alleged to have established a system in which identity documents were manipulated so that the photo of the representative was merged with the personal data of the actual applicant. The examiners at the language schools had virtually no chance of detecting the fraud, as they were presented with an official-looking document. Consequently , genuine but factually incorrect certificates were issued . These documents are the cornerstone of many immigration procedures. Whether for the granting of a permanent residence permit under Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or for naturalization under the Nationality Act (StAG), proof of sufficient language skills is a mandatory requirement. If this proof is obtained through deception, the entire legal system rests on extremely shaky ground.
The criminal dimension: More than just a white lie
From a legal perspective, this is not a minor offense, but rather a series of crimes. Using forged identity documents to deceive in legal transactions constitutes forgery of documents under Section 267 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) . Furthermore, the fraudulent obtaining of residence permits is also a possibility. Anyone who provides false or incomplete information to the authorities in order to obtain a residence permit is committing an offense under Section 95 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). This is a criminal offense . In our consultations, we always emphasize that a criminal conviction is often just the beginning of a long list of problems. A conviction for such offenses can, in itself, lead to deportation or permanently invalidate the clean criminal record required for naturalization under Section 12a of the German Nationality Act.
The withdrawal of the residence permit and the revocation of naturalization
Many people feel secure once they have submitted their certificate and received the desired title. However, the law provides clear corrective mechanisms. A residence permit based on incorrect information is unlawful according to Section 48 of the Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG) and can be revoked retroactively by the authorities . In plain terms, this means the residence permit expires , and the individual is obligated to leave the country. The consequences are even more dramatic in cases of naturalization that have already been granted. According to Section 35 of the Nationality Act (StAG), naturalization can be revoked if it was obtained through fraudulent misrepresentation, threats, bribery, or intentionally false or incomplete information. This revocation is possible up to ten years after naturalization . Such proceedings often lead to the total loss of the livelihood built in Germany.
Conclusion of our law firm
The fraud scandal uncovered in Nuremberg and North Rhine-Westphalia highlights the criminal intent behind the integration certificate system . We strongly advise against choosing such seemingly easy paths. The legal consequences—from criminal prosecution and revocation of residency status to the loss of citizenship—are devastating and often irreversible. Genuine integration and the legally secure acquisition of a residence permit cannot be bought. We recommend that every applicant take the honest route via certified language courses and official examinations. Only in this way can it be ensured that life in Germany rests on a legally sound foundation. Anyone who has already been caught up in such networks should immediately seek qualified legal counsel to examine their individual options before the investigating authorities come knocking.
