Three carriers and dozens of illegal migrants detained in a day 0 12

Checking the information received from the State Police, border guards discovered a Volkswagen Kombi minibus traveling from the municipality of Kaunatas in the Rezekne region towards Varaklani. During the pursuit, the vehicle was stopped — it was driven by a citizen of Moldova. Upon inspection, it was found that there were 10 individuals of Asian descent in the cabin without valid travel documents, visas, or residence permits.

A criminal case has been initiated against the carrier under part three of Article 285.1 of the Criminal Law — for facilitating the illegal stay in Latvia for a large number of persons (more than five in one case). A preventive measure has been applied — arrest.

An administrative process has also been initiated against him for violating the Immigration Law, which requires citizens of certain countries to provide information necessary to prevent threats to the state 48 hours prior to entering Latvia.

In turn, the State Police officers have initiated administrative proceedings for transporting more passengers than allowed by the vehicle manufacturer, as well as for transporting unbuckled passengers.

Eight individuals were stopped while attempting to illegally cross the state border in accordance with the State Border Guard Law. It was established that two other individuals required medical assistance — they were immediately taken to a medical facility.

Also, on April 14, checking the received information, border guards in the Konstantinova municipality of the Kraslava region stopped an Audi A4 Avant on the Konstantinovo–Aulēja road, while State Police officers in the Istra municipality of the Ludza region stopped an Opel Vectra. Both vehicles were driven by citizens of Latvia. Upon inspection, it was found that each vehicle contained six individuals of Asian descent without valid documents, visas, or residence permits.

Criminal cases have also been initiated against these carriers under part three of Article 285.1 of the Criminal Law.

In these cases, 12 individuals were stopped while attempting to illegally cross the state border.

The State Border Guard once again urges residents not to engage in illegal activities and reminds that severe penalties are provided for this. Considering that a reinforced border protection regime is in effect throughout Latvia until July 1, 2026, those organizing and facilitating the illegal movement of persons may face imprisonment for a term of two to ten years, with or without confiscation of property, as well as probation supervision for up to three years or without it.

It should be noted that this year the State Border Guard has already initiated 17 criminal cases (of which 8 were separated from previously initiated cases) against 9 individuals for the illegal movement of people or facilitating their illegal stay in Latvia, while last year 122 criminal cases were initiated (of which 50 were separated from previously initiated cases) against 88 individuals. Severe prison sentences are imposed for such crimes — for example, in one case, a person was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison, and in another — to 6 years and 1 month.