Latvian border guards use firearms to detain three illegal crossers

On 2 July, Latvia’s State Border Guard Service in the Augšdaugava region and Daugavpils stopped three persons transporting illegal migrants who had crossed the Belarus‑Latvia border. Border guards warned in Latvian and English, fired warning shots into the air, and arrested the drivers – all Moldovan citizens – after they attempted to flee.

In total, ten individuals were found without valid travel documents, visas or residence permits. The operations involved several vehicles (Dodge, Chrysler, Audi) and cooperation with Estonian border guards. Criminal proceedings were opened under Criminal Law article 285 for illegal border crossing during the heightened security regime, and administrative violation processes were started for failure to complete required security questionnaires. Since August 2021, a reinforced border‑security system backed by the National Armed Forces, police and partners from Finland, Estonia and Lithuania has been in place to prevent illegal crossings.