Finnish authorities have completed a criminal investigation into a suspected international people smuggling network accused of moving more than 40 third-country nationals from Latvia through Finland to other European Union member states.
The investigation by the Border Guard’s Criminal Investigation Unit in Turku found that the suspected offences took place between December 2025 and April 2026. The case has now moved to prosecutorial consideration for one suspect who remained in custody during the investigation.
According to the Finnish Border Guard, the network organised or attempted to organise the illegal entry of more than 40 people into Finland. Investigators believe the operation formed part of a wider criminal organisation that moved migrants from Belarus into the European Union.
The people brought into Finland had previously applied for asylum in Latvia, according to investigators. Authorities said both the migrants and the suspected members of the criminal organisation originated from East Africa.
The investigation found that the group’s methods changed during the operation.
Between 18 November 2025 and 12 January 2026, the organisation allegedly arranged travel from Riga Airport to Finland on Air Baltic flights. Investigators identified 14 flights during that period and said 21 people were either brought into Finland or attempts were made to bring them into the country.
The Border Guard said the same organisation also organised journeys from Riga to other European countries during the same period.
From 24 January 2026, investigators believe the network switched to a different route. Migrants travelled by train from Latvia to Tallinn before boarding passenger ferries to Helsinki.
Some travellers were stopped by authorities in Tallinn or at Helsinki harbour before entering Finland. Others reached Finland and later continued north through Haparanda into Sweden before travelling onwards to other European countries.
The Border Guard said investigators linked the organisation to at least 25 journeys from Latvia to Finland or through Finland to other destinations in Europe using the land and sea route.
Officials added that some journeys were disrupted before arrival through cooperation with authorities in departure and transit countries.
One suspect remained in custody during the investigation. Finnish authorities have referred that part of the case to prosecutors for consideration of charges of aggravated organisation of illegal immigration.
HT