Amazon severs ties with German security firm HESS after Neo-Nazi allegations

German security firm, Hensel European Security Services (HESS), has lost its Amazon.com contract amidst accusations of Neo-Nazi ties and mistreating foreign workers.

The whistle was blown last week when German TV channel ARD broadcast a documentary about the firm's bad behavior. The documentary used hidden cameras to showcase how the firm harassed and intimidated foreign workers. It also blew the cover off some of its "military style" employees who seemed to have ties with Neo-Nazi organizations.

HESS firmly denies the allegations, noting that it employees a number of foreign workers and immigrants. The documentary caught Amazon's eye, which lead to the decision to sever all ties between Amazon and HESS. I have included the video below, but you will need to understand German to get the full details.

The documentary alleges that HESS routinely searched temporary staff members quarters and even frisked them after morning breakfast to check that they did not steal any food. Shortly after the documentary's release, Amazon launched an investigation and this morning released the following statement:

"Amazon has secured that the criticized security service is not used any longer, effective immediately. As a responsible employer of approximately 8,000 salaried logistics employees, Amazon has zero-tolerance for discrimination and intimidation and expects the same from every company we work with."