February 2, 2024
Border authorities in Finland detained 11 people, all believed to be Iranian nationals, on suspicion of attempting to enter the country illegally January 11.
The suspects were trying to cross from Russia into Finland near the city of Lappeenranta. The 11 were traveling together and they all submitted asylum applications following their detention.
Heikki Ahtiainen, deputy commander of the Southeastern Finland Border Guard, noted that members of the group said they were provided with assistance on the Russian side of the border to facilitate their journey to Finland.
Finland closed its border with Russia in December, complaining that Moscow was organizing groups of foreigners who had entered Russia, taking them to the Finish border and telling them how to cross into Finland and claim asylum.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen announced early in January that the eight border crossing posts will remain closed until at least February 14, saying the situation at the border had not changed as migrants have been seen on the Russian side, apparently waiting for a crossing point to open.
The United States has been arresting some Iranians who have flown to Mexico and tried to cross into the United States across the US-Mexico border.
