Lithuania uncovers underground tunnel from Belarus used for migrant smuggling

Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service (VSAT) discovered an unfinished underground tunnel near Varėna that extends from Belarus into Lithuanian territory. The tunnel, about one metre wide and 1.5 metres deep, reaches roughly five metres across the border but has no exit on the Lithuanian side, making it unusable for migrants. VSAT chief Rustamas Liubajevas said migrants are “increasingly using tunnels or caves” and accused Belarusian border authorities of providing logistical support, noting that “without logistical support from the Belarusian border guards, this would not be possible.” Polish border‑guard specialists assisted in locating the tunnel with specialized detection equipment. The finding follows earlier tunnel discoveries in 2025 and similar attempts along the Belarus‑Poland border, and it has prompted a criminal investigation overseen by the Alita district prosecutor’s office. Lithuanian officials continue to allege that Belarus facilitates irregular migration toward the European Union, a claim Minsk denies.