Probe into illicit issuing of German residence permits

A German community near the city of Frankfurt is investigating at least 30 cases in which residence documents were issued to foreigners under dubious circumstances, reported dpa.

"It is the case that indications have been submitted to the head of the local authority to the effect that irregularities have occurred in the context of the work of the department dealing with foreigners," a spokesman for the town of Bad Homburg said on Sunday, in response to a query.

The indications were being investigated in cooperation with an independent legal practice specializing in compliance with the regulations, he said.

An earlier media report said that 30 cases were dubious. It referred in part to residence documents being issued to people with a criminal record.

According to the local authority, the investigations have not yet been completed. The spokesman said that appropriate measures had been taken and the required disciplinary steps initiated.