OSNABRÜCK – The Osnabrück police and public prosecutor’s office have launched a large-scale operation targeting a ring suspected of organising ‘proxy exams’ (Stellvertreterprüfungen) across Germany. According to a joint statement issued by the police and the public prosecutor’s office on 30 September 2026, the group is accused of collecting over 250,000 euros from organising proxy candidates to sit exams on behalf of clients.
According to initial investigations, clients contacted the group via messaging apps and paid between a few hundred and a few thousand euros, depending on the type of exam. The services allegedly provided included citizenship tests (Einbürgerungstest), German language certificates, driving tests, examinations for taxi operators and professional security certificates under Section 34a of the Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung).
The modus operandi is said to have been quite sophisticated: the suspects used forged or altered identity documents, retaining the client’s personal details but replacing the photograph with that of the stand-in. This person then appeared at the examination centre and impersonated the actual candidate. The authorities are investigating indications of document forgery and the falsification of data serving as proof.
On 30 September, the authorities raided nearly 12 locations in Osnabrück, Melle, Lienen and Hamm. Nine people aged between 26 and 51 have been identified as suspected members of the group; two arrest warrants have been executed. In addition, a part-time examiner working for a Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is also under investigation on suspicion of accepting bribes.
The police are currently examining at least 100 related cases. During the raids, the authorities seized more than a dozen mobile phones, computers and data storage devices; numerous identity documents are being checked for authenticity; thousands of euros in cash; a Mercedes GLE; cocaine; XTC; cannabis; and a crossbow. The investigation began in March 2026 after the police analysed a mobile phone seized in connection with another drug case.
Warning to Vietnamese people in Germany: ‘Guaranteed success’ could have consequences lasting for years
This case serves as a significant warning to the Vietnamese community in Germany. Due to pressures relating to language, work, residence permits or the desire to complete procedures quickly, some people may be tempted by advertisements such as “guaranteed B1 pass”, “taking the exam on your behalf”, “fast-track certificates” or “certificates without studying”.
However, when a certificate is used to apply for residence rights, naturalisation or other legal entitlements, the consequences can be far more serious than the initial cost.
With regard to German citizenship, current legislation allows the authorities to revoke an unlawful naturalisation decision if naturalisation was obtained through fraud, bribery or the deliberate provision of material false information. Revocation may take place within 10 years of the naturalisation decision being notified.
Furthermore, anyone who intentionally provides or uses false information to obtain citizenship may face up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine under Section 42 of the Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz). If fraud is established during the naturalisation proceedings or citizenship has been revoked under Section 35 of the Nationality Act (StAG), the new legislation also stipulates a 10-year ban on naturalisation in the relevant cases.
With regard to residence permits, the deliberate provision of false information or the use of false information to apply for an Aufenthaltstitel may also constitute a criminal offence. However, it should be noted that not every case of detected fraud automatically leads to deportation or a ban on entry; the specific consequences depend on the conduct, the type of document, the residence status and the decision of the competent authority or court in each individual case.
Do not believe claims that “no one will find out”
A key aspect of the Osnabrück case is that the police are now investigating even those who have previously purchased such services, not just those directly organising the schemes. Seized telephone records, Messenger data, documents, financial transactions and electronic devices may provide a basis for investigating the relevant clients.
Therefore, Vietnamese nationals in Germany should absolutely avoid ‘exam-taking’ services, ‘guaranteed pass’ schemes or the purchase of certificates obtained without passing a legitimate examination. A certificate may help one ‘get ahead’ in the short term, but if discovered years later, the consequences could affect one’s employment, professional licence, residence status and even German citizenship.
The Osnabrück case is currently under investigation. In accordance with the rule of law in Germany, all persons under investigation are presumed innocent until a final court judgement has been handed down.
INT – Thoibao.de
(Compiled from statements by the Osnabrück Police Station/Osnabrück Public Prosecutor’s Office and German media outlets.)
