Domestic
Finnish authorities have completed a criminal investigation into a suspected international people smuggling network accused of moving more than 40 third-country nationals from Latvia through Finland to other European Union member states.
The investigation by the Border Guard's Criminal Investigation Unit in Turku found that the suspected offences took place between December 2025 and April 2026. The case has now moved to prosecutorial consideration for one suspect who remained in custody during the investigation.
According to the Finnish Border Guard, the network organised or attempted to organise the illegal entry of more than 40 people into Finland. Investigators believe the operation formed part of a wider criminal organisation that moved migrants from Belarus into the European Union.
The people brought into Finland had previously applied for asylum in Latvia, according to investigators. Authorities said both the migrants and the suspected members of the criminal organisation originated from East Africa.
