Three accused of helping illegal migration in Latvia

The Latvian State Border Guard handed over a criminal case on February 15, 2024, to the Riga Northern Prosecutor’s Office, targeting a group involved in illegal migration from Belarus to Latvia. The group, active in the summer of 2023, facilitated entry and accommodation for African migrants, utilizing false French travel documents to enable their exit by land or air. The group consisted of two Latvian residents and a resident of Côte d'Ivoire, with ongoing investigations into other members and coordination with neighboring states and Europol. Evidence supports their assistance of at least 40 migrants. Two accused persons are detained, and prosecution is underway.