Ministry of Home Affairs, ONA, and Ombudsman: How many authorities are involved in Luxembourg’s asylum file scandal? Let’s find out.
Luxembourg – Between €50 and €100 million of Luxembourg taxpayers’ money is spent annually on asylum seekers and so-called humanitarian projects. Several ministries and authorities, including some so-called independent institutions, private companies, and organizations, are involved in the migration and asylum sector.
Taxpayers continue to place their trust in politicians and in the system. However, a journalist of Indian origin who recently arrived from Switzerland has, within just five months, exposed the true faces of individuals allegedly involved in what is being described as one of Luxembourg’s biggest scandals.
The evidence released under the title “Luxembourg Asylum Files” appears to show how corruption and misconduct within the asylum system in Luxembourg have taken place.
Mahesh Kamath, a professional journalist from India, arrived in Luxembourg and applied for international protection, citing political persecution in both India and Switzerland. Helvilux has already published a detailed account of Kamath’s journey through India and Switzerland (click here to read more).
As a professional journalist, Kamath quickly understood that Luxembourg’s attempt to present itself as a model humanitarian country may not reflect the full reality. While his application for international protection was under review, he used his journalistic skills to investigate further. This led to what is now referred to as the “Luxembourg Asylum Files,” which allegedly indicate the existence of multi-million-euro corruption within Luxembourg’s asylum sector.
In January of this year, several local media outlets reported on the poor conditions in refugee camps across Luxembourg. Many residents were shocked, noting that despite the passage of time since the era of Nazi Germany, conditions resembling ghetto-like environments still appear to exist in one of Europe’s wealthiest countries.
Helvilux had already reported on the situation in these refugee camps in November last year, highlighting concerns that even basic needs were not being adequately met (click here to read more). The outlet also published another article raising concerns about the country’s direction in handling asylum and migration issues (click on link to read more 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5, 6).
Following the exposure of the poor conditions in refugee camps, local citizens began discussing the situation in facilities funded by their tax money. However, this was only the tip of the iceberg, with much more yet to emerge revealing what is being described as a multi-million-euro scandal within Luxembourg’s refugee system.
Recently, a migration report by the European Council placed Luxembourg in the fourth and lowest category. Instead of focusing on self-assessment, correction, and repairing the system, the Ministry of Home Affairs under the responsibility of Minister Leon Gloden appears to have taken a different approach, such as addressing concerns through correspondence rather than implementing structural reforms.
Meanwhile, journalist Kamath’s “Luxembourg Asylum Files” highlight the alleged scale of corruption and mismanagement within the system. As a result, Luxembourg may remain in the lowest category for some time unless significant changes are made.
Manipulation in Asylum Interviews by Ministry of Home affairs
The “Luxembourg Asylum Files” reportedly contain several classified documents that suggest irregularities in how initial asylum interviews are conducted by certain officials within Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs. According to these materials, some applicants were allegedly not provided with interpreters, nor were they accompanied by a lawyer or legal representative during the interview process.
More concerning are claims that, in some cases, immigration officers recorded answers based on their own interpretations rather than the applicants’ actual statements. The documents also indicate that when applicants refused to sign the Dublin interview protocol, immigration officers allegedly involved security personnel, issued threats, and created an atmosphere of intimidation.
Kamath stated:“In most cases, due to a lack of legal knowledge and their vulnerable situation, applicants tend to follow whatever the officer says, including signing documents even when they do not understand what is written in the interview protocol. However, as a journalist, I was aware that the immigration officer was committing an abuse of office, and therefore I refused to sign.”
According to the classified documents, which have now been made public, the applicant subsequently informed his lawyer, who had been appointed by the Bar Council of Luxembourg. He also visited a local police station to file a complaint against the immigration officer. However, Kamath later stated that at the time he was not aware of the extent to which alleged corruption and systemic abuse in Luxembourg may be protected by other authorities, particularly within the Grand Duchy’s police system.
Under standard legal procedures, when a complainant approaches a police station, officers are required to formally record the complaint. In this case, however, it is alleged that Luxembourg police officers refused to register the complaint.
Luxembourg is a democratic country and a respected member of the European Union. However, there have been several incidents that raise concerns about the alleged misuse of power by certain police officers. In some cases, critics argue that even after serious allegations, including physical abuse, accused officers have been acquitted in court, which may contribute to a perception of impunity among parts of the Grand Duchy’s police force.
In this particular case, it is alleged that the police refused to register the applicant’s complaint. However, the applicant a Swiss-integrated Indian journalist familiar with legal procedures escalated the matter by approaching the Office of the Inspector General of Police and reporting the refusal to accept his complaint (click here to read the document 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).
The applicant also contacted Luxembourg’s Ombudsman authority, an institution intended to act as an independent mediator between citizens and public authorities. According to the available files, the handling of the case by the Ombudsman has been called into question. Email correspondence between the applicant and an Ombudsman officer is presented as raising concerns about the level of independence of the institution, contrary to the trust many taxpayers place in it.
Kamath stated:“I requested the complete protocol file under the Access to Files Law from both the Ombudsman and the Inspector General of Police, but to this day, I have not received any response from either authority.”
The Helvilux investigative team reviewed the “Luxembourg Asylum Files” and found several responses from the Ombudsman authority indicating that, rather than addressing the complaint seriously, they appeared to avoid taking meaningful action. The Ombudsman was reportedly aware of the poor conditions in refugee camps as early as November 2025. Yet, no steps were apparently taken to contact the responsible authorities or improve the situation a question that raises serious concern.
When local media reported on the poor conditions in refugee camps in January 2026, it became clear that the Ombudsman had already been informed, but the situation remained unaddressed. This raises a broader question about the use of taxpayers’ money to fund such an institution in Luxembourg, particularly if it fails to act on issues brought to its attention.
Journalist Kamath, supported by evidence, alleged that the Ombudsman in Luxembourg is structured not to protect victims or ordinary citizens, but rather to shield corrupt government authorities. He presented a document containing a response he received from the Ombudsman, which, he argues, reflects a “victim-blaming” approach.
The document also raises important questions: if the Ombudsman fails to resolve a problem or is unable to advise the victim, why does it not clearly outline the next steps the victim should take? These issues cast serious doubt on the credibility and effectiveness of Luxembourg’s Ombudsman institution.
Helvilux Media requested a response from an Ombudsman officer to present their side of the story, but as of the time of publishing, no reply has been received.
In November 2025, Minister Leon Gloden claimed in the media that the conditions in the returning centers maintained by his authority were satisfactory. However, Helvilux recently published a detailed report on the current state of the so-called “Maison Retour” (click here to read), with the article released in February 2026.
Minister Max Hahn, responsible for the Ministry of ONA, also addressed the situation in several media interviews. Click here to read. Rather than acknowledge the poor conditions in refugee camps across Luxembourg, he reportedly attempted to deflect responsibility, using the term “Eldorado” in reference to asylum seekers and refugees. Helvilux published an in-depth article analyzing Minister Hahn’s “Eldorado” statement (click here to read).
These developments suggest that millions of euros of taxpayers’ money may not be going toward their intended purpose, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of Luxembourg’s asylum and migration system.
The “Luxembourg Asylum Files” also reveal that the ONA authority, even after receiving complaints about the poor conditions at the CPA Kirchberg and Mersch refugee camps, did not take appropriate action. Helvilux Media repeatedly attempted to contact the ONA authority to obtain their perspective, but the authority showed little interest in addressing the issue. In two instances, they reportedly stated, “The Ministry only communicates with media outlets affiliated with the Press Council of Luxembourg” (click here to read the email).
This response underscores the attitude of the ONA authority. Helvilux Media is operated by Helvilux ASBL, a non-profit organization registered in Luxembourg, with a registered ISSN number. If the ONA authority behaves in this manner toward a local, registered media organization, it raises serious concerns about how vulnerable asylum seekers, refugees, and their legal representatives may be treated.
In most cases, victims from African countries who often lack knowledge of European law or Ukrainians unfamiliar with the local language find it nearly impossible to obtain justice.
At the center of the alleged corruption in this asylum scandal is former lawyer Max Leners, an LSAP party politician who ran Leners Law Firm in Luxembourg. Classified documents from the “Luxembourg Asylum Files” reportedly expose unethical practices by Leners. The files indicate that, on several occasions, he instructed applicants not to communicate directly with the Ministry of Home Affairs, but instead to submit all evidence and documents solely to him.
Kamath stated:“Leners did not want the case to become complicated for the Ministry of Home Affairs. He wanted it to be as easy as possible for the authorities to dismiss the case, so that during an appeal there would be little to argue. He advised me several times not to contact the Ministry directly. If he were an honest lawyer, why didn’t he submit all the arguments and evidence I provided to him to the Ministry of Home Affairs?”
The asylum decision, which notes that my lawyer did not submit any arguments or evidence, demonstrates Leners’ alleged unethical behavior and questionable intentions. He is just one part of the broader asylum scandal occurring in the state of Luxembourg.”
Helvilux published a detailed report on Max Leners’ alleged unethical conduct as a lawyer in Luxembourg (click here to read). A disciplinary complaint has also been lodged against him with the Bar Council of Luxembourg.
Other documents within the “Luxembourg Asylum Files” reportedly demonstrate that, on several occasions, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’s police department avoided registering complaints. Only after intervention by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) did local police reportedly file the complainant’s report (click here to read the document). These findings suggest that, in Luxembourg, basic laws, rules, and regulations under EU standards may not always be properly respected.
When vulnerable populations in Luxembourg are allegedly mistreated and seek justice from the police or the Ministry of Home Affairs, the responses documented in the “Luxembourg Asylum Files” indicate the existence of structural and systematic abuse. This, according to the files, is not only a danger to asylum seekers, refugees, and foreigners, but also poses risks to local Luxembourgish and European citizens more broadly.
A French citizen who has lived in Luxembourg for over a decade told Helvilux Media:“Once, while waiting in my car to pick up my husband, one aggressive police officer told me to leave immediately or he would arrest me, and verbally abused me. I was there for only five seconds. If the officer had respectfully asked me to leave, I would have gone but who gave them the right to verbally abuse someone?”
Kamath stated:“The Ministry of Home Affairs’ agenda does not seem to be protecting the local population, but rather appears to favor replacing the informed public with people who will never ask questions or challenge mistreatment or illegal actions. Today it is happening to an Indian-origin journalist; tomorrow, it could happen to a local Luxembourgish citizen who speaks out against the government’s illegal activities.”
Kamath also points out:“During the Nazi era, thousands of unemployed Ukrainians were recruited into ghetto-like refugee camps, where countless innocent people were killed every day. At that time, those Ukrainians may have believed that the atrocities affected only Jews and others, but today the situation has changed. Currently, thousands of Ukrainians are living in asylum camps across Europe and are being mistreated. Recent reports from Luxembourgish local media show that Ukrainian children were hospitalized due to unhygienic conditions in refugee camps operated by the ONA authority.
This situation illustrates the principle of ‘today it is me, tomorrow it could be a local Luxembourgish citizen.’ If we do not hold the government accountable for the asylum scandal in Luxembourg now, the problem will persist.”
Journalist Kamath also published a detailed article in Helvilux about Minister Leon Gloden’s alleged plan to replace the local Luxembourgish population with individuals who do not question or challenge authority (click here to read). The article raises pointed questions about government decisions that may not serve the long-term interests of the local European population. One prominent example cited is the government’s silence on the EU–India Trade Deal (click here to read).
Minister Gloden recently engaged in discussions with German authorities regarding stricter border controls. However, questions arise as to why the Minister of Home Affairs did not similarly address French authorities when illegal migrants or asylum seekers are arrested on their territory but not recorded in the EURODAC system. Kamath provided documents that allegedly show how French authorities have withheld fingerprints from the EURODAC database, preventing other EU countries from accessing this information.
The state of Luxembourg had a clear opportunity to investigate this matter in the public interest. Yet, according to Kamath, the Ministry of Home Affairs chose to dismiss these concerns, including by denying his application for international protection. This, he argues, demonstrates that Luxembourg is not genuinely interested in reforming a migration system allegedly plagued by corruption.
Kamath stated:“Illegal migrants and criminals are a concern for all countries and governments in Europe. But has Luxembourg’s state government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs under Gloden, taken strict action against these individuals in accordance with the rule of law? Instead, those who speak the truth who could help Luxembourgish society understand the real situation are targeted. Action is taken against journalists who hold the government accountable. Meanwhile, the government continues corruption and scandal under the guise of humanitarian projects and refugee programs, while silencing anyone who speaks out. This has been my personal experience.”
On 17 March 2026, journalist Mahesh Kamath’s asylum appeal hearing took place at the Tribunal Administratif at 3:00 PM. During the oral proceedings, the lawyer representing the Ministry of Home Affairs reportedly began the argument by questioning how a journalist, through his Helvilux media outlet, could write critically about the Ministry and other authorities in Luxembourg. The lawyer also presented copies of Kamath’s articles to the presiding judge.
Notably, despite Kamath being in detention and requesting to participate in his own hearing, he was allegedly not allowed to attend the courtroom. His fiancée and friends were present and witnessed the proceedings on his behalf.
This incident raises serious concerns about the respect for fundamental legal rights in Luxembourg, including the EU right to a fair trial and compliance with the EU Asylum Directive, even in one of Europe’s wealthiest countries.
The manner in which the Ministry of Home Affairs’ lawyer presented copies of Kamath’s articles—rather than addressing the factual aspects of the case or the arbitrary arrest and unethical dismissal of his asylum application—highlights the alleged retaliation against a journalist in Luxembourg. A journalist who, with evidence and facts, exposed a multi-million-euro scandal in the country’s asylum sector appears, according to these reports, to face harsh treatment instead of justice.
Another concerning detail is that, even before the hearing on 17 March 2026, Kamath’s state-appointed lawyer, Sanae IGRI, reportedly issued a letter to him dated 13 March 2026, stating that his appeal had been dismissed. This situation raises serious questions about the Luxembourgish judiciary, suggesting that decisions may be predetermined by lawyers even before judges issue rulings. How this aligns with legal principles and the rule of law is a matter of significant concern (click here to read).
Kamath also claimed that, even when he requested his lawyer to file a QPC (Question Prioritaire de Constitutionnalité) request—arguing that his right to a fair trial and equality before the law were not being respected—no such request was made by the lawyer.
This multi-million-euro scandal in Luxembourg’s asylum sector raises critical questions: who truly benefits from taxpayers’ money—the asylum seekers and refugees, or the contractors, private companies, organizations, and lawyers who receive funds from the public budget? Remarkably, this case appears to be the first in history where an appeal hearing took place on 17 March, yet the appellant’s own lawyer had already informed him on 13 March that the appeal was dismissed (click here to read the letter).
In response to these issues, journalist Kamath submitted a formal complaint against the state of Luxembourg to the European Commission, requesting an investigation into the matter.
Kamath stated:“The Ministry of Home Affairs, while presenting its argument in court, is trying to portray that I dislike Luxembourg and Europe, and that I am writing against them. They are attempting to suggest that I am opposed to the European system or culture, but this allegation is completely false. My partner is European, my children were born in Switzerland and Portugal, I speak the local language and hold relevant certifications, including a Swiss driving license. I am well integrated into Swiss society.
The Ministry appears to be misusing the asylum and refugee system for political and personal gain, while mistreating vulnerable populations. As a journalist, I am holding them accountable. I have reported the truth with evidence through Helvilux Media. Just as the atrocities of Adolf Hitler in the 1940s could not hide mass genocide, Minister Leon Gloden and his Ministry of Home Affairs will not succeed in concealing the asylum scandal in Luxembourg.
To protect their image and cover up their alleged illegal activities, they are putting my life at risk by arbitrarily dismissing my international protection application, even though they are aware that I could face fatal danger if deported. Unfortunately, this decision also puts my two minor daughters at risk of becoming orphans. Minister Gloden and his Ministry are misusing their power, but history will remember acts of cruelty just as Hitler’s genocidal actions were remembered—so the truth about their actions will not be hidden.”
If the Ministry of Home Affairs and their lawyers believe that journalist Kamath wrote aggressively or defamatory content about Minister Gloden or the Ministry itself, why did they not file a criminal defamation complaint against Helvilux Media or its founder, Mahesh Kamath? Does Minister Gloden and his Ministry not have confidence in Luxembourg’s own criminal code regarding defamation?
Reporting the truth while respecting journalistic ethics should not be considered illegal. Yet, the refusal to grant an applicant international protection raises serious questions about the Ministry’s actions. It is perhaps no surprise that Luxembourg’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index slipped from 11th in 2024 to 13th in 2025 (click here to see the ranking).
Kamath added:“This is an example that the local population should see and understand what today’s ruling government plans: to replace logical, thinking individuals with compliant followers.
Those who still have faith in the Ministry of Home Affairs should ask Minister Leon Gloden: Why does the Gare Luxembourg area need protection by private security companies instead of the police? Why do police officers who allegedly mistreat local citizens rarely face punishment in court? Why are individuals with radical mindsets quietly recruited into security companies and other sectors related to migration and border protection—people who follow orders even when they violate human rights or EU and national law?
Locals should also ask why they themselves are not given opportunities to work in these security roles or related sectors. Once the public understands this, they will likely be shocked by what appears to be a systematic plan to replace independent, logical individuals with uncritical personnel.”
Those who still think this is not their concern should take note. Decades ago, Ukrainians were lured for work in ghetto camps during the Nazi era, and eventually faced horrific consequences. Similarly, if we remain passive today, the same kind of mistreatment in the modern refugee system could affect others in the near future it is only a matter of time.
