All suspects in the case have applied for asylum at a border crossing in eastern Finland since August.
Finnish authorities have begun investigating around 1,000 asylum seekers for allegedly committing border violations upon entering the country.
All suspects in this widespread case arrived in Finland through the eastern border crossing within the last few months.
A total of around 1,300 people have applied for asylum at border crossings in eastern Finland since August.
Tomi KibunjuriThe head of the Finnish Border Guard’s legal department confirmed to Ale that the migrants were suspected of committing border violations. This means they crossed the border into Finland without the necessary documents or from a location other than an official crossing point.
Those found guilty of border violations face fines or up to one year in prison. However, this crime is not punishable if the suspect applies for international protection.
The Home Office said in a statement that the asylum seekers are “nationals of third countries, most of whom have used Russia for short-term transit. They come from a wide range of nationalities, including Syrians, Somalis, Yemenis and Iraqis. “It will span,” he pointed out.
The majority then applied for asylum in Finland.
Finnish authorities have long suspected Russian involvement in the sudden arrival of large numbers of illegal asylum seekers at Finnish border crossings. Finland partially and then completely closed its eastern borders late last year, but earlier this week decided to extend the closure until at least February 11.
“The risk of resumption of instrumental migration on the eastern border poses a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
Suspected involvement of criminal elements
Tomi Kivenjuli, head of the Finnish Border Guard, said authorities have also started investigating suspicions that a third party is directing the flow of migrants to the Finnish border.
“Certain criminal organizations and other external actors are acting as organizers,” he said, adding that although the majority of suspects are operating from abroad, individuals living in Finland may also be involved. He added that there is.
“However, there are no Finns among the suspects,” Kibenjuli pointed out.
The Finnish Border Guard investigates all suspected crimes related to immigration, and the police are responsible for other suspected crimes involving Finnish asylum seekers.