Latvian Border Guard intercepts fake police vehicle transporting 46 migrants illegally

At the beginning of November 2024, Latvian Border Guard and State Police conducted an operation near Aizkraukle, Latvia, seizing a vehicle modified with police identity markings transporting 46 illegal migrants. This was not an isolated incident, as similar attempts to transport migrants illegally disguised as police vehicles have occurred previously in Latvia, including on November 1 near Krāslava. According to the Latvian Border Guard chief Guntis Pujāts, traffickers use fake police vehicles to facilitate illicit migrant transport, typically destined for Germany. The intercepted migrants were illegally crossing the Latvian border. These operations were carried out in coordination with the State Police and involved special rapid response units. The Border Guard stresses vigilance as organized groups persist in migrant smuggling activities by deceptive means.