Latvian border guards detained three human traffickers transporting 30 illegally crossing persons on May 27-28, 2026, near Belarus border.

On May 27 and 28, 2026, Latvian border guards detained three human traffickers who illegally transported persons who had crossed the Belarus-Latvia border. On May 27, in Skrudalienas parish, border guards attempted to stop an Opel vehicle with emergency lights and loudspeaker but the driver, a Georgian citizen residing in Latvia without required declaration, fled. The vehicle crashed off the road and the driver was arrested. Inside the vehicle, 10 Asian-origin persons lacking valid travel documents, visas, or residence permits were found; three required medical aid. On May 28, in Rēzeknes district, a minibus and an accompanying Audi, both driven by Romanian citizens, were stopped. The minibus carried 23 Asian-origin persons without valid documents who had crossed illegally. Criminal proceedings under Latvian Criminal Code Article 285.3.1 were initiated against the drivers. In total, 30 individuals were detained for illegal border crossing under Latvian Border Guard Law Article 4. Administrative proceedings were initiated against the Georgian driver for noncompliance. Emergency medical services were called for the persons needing aid. The incidents highlight ongoing illegal border crossing and human trafficking through the Belarus-Latvia border amid heightened border protection.