Espionage and smuggling scandal rocks historic Cologne pub

The public house in Cologne called "Pascha" is reportedly embroiled in a smuggling and espionage scandal. According to the German newspaper "Bild," Chinese spies might have been concealed on the hotel's ninth floor.

The establishment, initially named "Eros Center," was constructed in the early 1970s and changed to "Pascha" in the 1990s. Despite turning a profit until the coronavirus pandemic hit, the business declared bankruptcy in 2021, only to be quickly revived and taken over by Andre Wienstroth.

"This could be a cover for a significant smuggling and espionage scandal set to engage the judiciary and politicians for the foreseeable future. Investigators haven't dismissed the possibility of spies being hidden on the hotel's ninth floor," "Bild" reported.

"Bild" also highlighted the excessive rental charges for women working in public houses, which are significantly higher than their service rates. "A few years ago, the daily room rent was about 160 euros, around CAD 235, plus a 150 euros (approximately CAD 220) deposit and a 40 euros (roughly CAD 60) cleaning fee upon departure. The rent has reportedly increased to 180 euros or about CAD 270. To break even, a worker would need to see four clients daily. Whether pimps are still profiting remains uncertain," the newspaper disclosed.

"Bild" questions Pascha's current profitability, noting a decline in women's interest in working there since the pandemic, indicating the end of its lucrative days.