Photo: Hannu Huttu / Str / Lehtikuva
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An unidentified foreign man was detained near the Finnish-Russian border in Vaalimaa on Tuesday after crossing into Finland without permission. Authorities confirmed he has requested asylum.
The Southeast Finland Border Guard apprehended the man in the afternoon shortly after he entered Finnish territory on foot. The location of the incident was near the closed Vaalimaa border crossing, situated in Virolahti, close to the Gulf of Finland.
The Finnish Border Guard has launched an investigation into the case as a suspected border offence. The man’s nationality and route have not been disclosed.
All official border crossings on Finland’s eastern frontier have remained closed since late 2023 due to heightened border security measures and a surge in irregular crossings.
According to the Border Guard, the local border commissioner has contacted the Russian counterpart in Vyborg regarding the incident. There was no immediate information on whether Russia responded.
Last year, 39 people entered Finland irregularly via the eastern border. Over ten individuals crossed unlawfully in the opposite direction.
Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has described the increased unauthorised border crossings as a “hybrid threat” and reinforced patrols in affected regions. Temporary barriers, including concrete blocks and metal fencing, have been installed at key locations such as Vaalimaa.
The man remains in Finnish custody pending further proceedings related to his asylum application and the criminal investigation.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
