Migrant smugglers become active again along Latvia’s Latgale border in spring 2026

With the arrival of spring in 2026, migrant smugglers along Latvia's Latgale border became increasingly active. By late April, border guards detained 12 smugglers and prevented over 1,000 illegal crossings. Notably, a driver in Ludza municipality was caught transporting 21 undocumented migrants in a minibus. Smuggling operations are highly organized, with real-time instructions and routes often revealed only at the last moment. Vehicles used for smuggling include disguises such as emergency vehicles, public buses, wedding cars, and a minibus with a handmade 'taxi' sign driven by an Estonian citizen. Cooperation with Lithuanian border services enabled additional arrests beyond Latvian borders. The State Police support border guards through joint patrols, enhancing interdiction efforts. The Latgale District Court is processing multiple cases, with maximum penalties reaching up to 10 years imprisonment under Latvian Criminal Law.