Finland Detains Suspect in Rare Illegal Crossing from Russia

HELSINKI — Finnish border authorities have detained a man suspected of illegally entering the country from Russia, marking one of the few such incidents since the closure of the 1,340-kilometer eastern border nearly two years ago.

The individual was apprehended on Thursday afternoon in the southeastern town of Imatra following an extensive search operation. Border guards deployed vehicles, canine units, and a helicopter after discovering fresh footprints in a snow-covered forest area north of Immalanjarvi lake during routine morning patrols.

“These traces appeared to be quite fresh, which is why a search was launched,” said Pinja Viskari, a representative of the Southeast Finland Border Guard.

Authorities have not disclosed the nationality of the detained individual but confirmed they have initiated a preliminary investigation into a suspected state border violation.

Finland closed its border with Russia in December 2023 as bilateral relations deteriorated following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Nordic nation is currently constructing a 200-kilometer fence along the most sensitive sections of the border, scheduled for completion in 2026 at an estimated cost of 380 million euros.

While border crossings have been rare since the closure, several individual incidents have occurred this year. The most recent prior crossing in the southeastern district took place in early September when a person moved from Finland into Russia.

On November 14, Finland deported a Russian man who had crossed the border in June and sought asylum. Local media reported the individual was a former member of the Wagner mercenary group.

The latest detention underscores Finland’s continued vigilance along its eastern frontier amid ongoing regional tensions.

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