Fake 'Latvijas Pasts' vehicle used to smuggle illegal migrants; two organizers arrested

Last Friday, July 24, in Skaista parish, Krāslava municipality, State Police officers supporting border guards stopped a Toyota vehicle that was a replica of a 'Latvijas Pasts' delivery truck with fake license plates. Inside the car and its trunk, six individuals without valid travel documents were found, having previously crossed the Belarus–Latvia border illegally. The driver was a Latvian citizen.

The following day, July 25, in Daugavpils, police attempted to stop a Ford vehicle using sirens and flashing lights, but the driver refused to comply and accelerated. After a brief chase, the car stopped, and several people fled on foot. Nine individuals without documents were found in the car, and with the help of a dog handler, six more were discovered in the bushes – a total of 15 people who had crossed the border illegally. The Ford driver was a Ukrainian citizen.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against both drivers under Section 285(31) of the Criminal Law for illegal transportation of persons across the state border during an enhanced border surveillance regime. Additionally, administrative violations were detected: the Latvian citizen transported more passengers than allowed and without seat belts, while the Ukrainian citizen stayed in Latvia without submitting the mandatory questionnaire. In total, 21 individuals were prevented from illegally crossing the border.

Since August 11, 2021, an enhanced border surveillance regime has been in effect along the Latvia–Belarus border, involving the National Armed Forces and State Police. Border guards from Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania also provide support. Authorities thank residents for reporting suspicious persons and vehicles and urge them to continue reporting via 112.