On Sunday evening, border guards from the Pagėgiai border guard unit arrested a 68-year-old man who illegally crossed the border into Lithuania from Russia over the frozen Nemunas River. The incident occurred near the city of Panemunė, where authorities had activated surveillance systems that captured the man’s crossing from the Kaliningrad region. After his apprehension, it was revealed that the man holds triple citizenship from Russia, Ireland, and Germany.

As a result of the illegal border crossing, an investigation has been initiated at the Pagėgiai border guard unit, where the legal repercussions for this act could include fines, arrest, or imprisonment of up to two years. Following questioning, the foreign national was released on a bail condition, reflecting a legal measure pending the investigation. This incident marks the third illegal border crossing apprehension this year, drawing attention to border security and illegal crossings in the region.

Last year, border guards detained a total of 57 individuals for breaching state borders, with a notable number related to carelessness, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by border authorities regarding illegal immigration and the enforcement of border laws. Such incidents underscore the importance of vigilant border security measures, especially in light of increasing migration complexities in Europe.