Two smugglers detained transporting illegal migrants across border
Two men have been detained in the Latvian borderland after transporting nine foreigners who illegally crossed the Belarus-Latvia border.
Two smugglers detained transporting illegal migrants across border
Two detention operations involving human trafficking have been carried out in eastern Latvia in mid-June. State Border Guard officers, together with police, detained two men within two days who were transporting illegal entrants.
The first incident occurred on the evening of 11 June in Svente parish. Police stopped an Audi for inspection, which was registered in Poland. A Polish national was driving. Inside, five people from Asia were found who did not have valid travel documents, visas or permits to stay in the country.
The second incident took place on the night of 12 June in Ezerniekļi parish. This time an Seat vehicle was stopped, driven by a Latvian resident. Four Asians without valid documents were hiding in the car and its boot. All nine entrants had previously crossed the Belarus-Latvia border illegally.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated against both drivers. They are being held on suspicion of illegal human trafficking across the border during an enhanced supervision regime. This regime has been in operation in Latvia since August 2021 to prevent illegal border crossings.
The foreigners found were barred from making further attempts to cross the border in accordance with the State Border Guard law.
The information was provided by the State Border Guard (pmo.ee/8489597).
Source: Apollo