Lithuanian border guards detained a Polish citizen who was preparing to climb a border barrier to enter Belarus, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) said on Friday.

​The man was apprehended on Wednesday, approximately 200 metres from the Belarusian border while in possession of makeshift ladders.​A bicycle, bags, a sleeping bag, and other personal belongings were found at the scene. The suspect was also carrying a hammer, knives, and nails. Envelopes containing US dollars and Polish zlotys, totalling nearly 60,000 euros, were discovered in one of the bags.​According to VSAT, the Polish national admitted he intended to climb over the physical barrier – a fence topped with concertina wire designed to deter migrants – to reach Belarus.​The suspect has been placed in custody. The Varėna border unit has launched a pre-trial investigation into the attempted illegal border crossing and currency smuggling, overseen by the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor's Office.​On Thursday, a court ordered the Polish citizen to be remanded in custody for one month. The seized cash is being held by the Varėna border unit.

LRT EnglishNewsletter

Every Friday morning.