Russia is trying to recruit migrants seeking asylum in Finland as spies, according to a January 16 report in local news outlet Ale, citing information from the Finnish Security Police (SUPO).
More than 1,000 migrants have entered Finland through the eastern border in recent months, creating recruitment opportunities.
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“They may be persuaded to cooperate in a variety of ways, including by applying pressure, tying requests for cooperation to exit conditions, or promising money,” SUPO said.
Although this is not a widespread phenomenon, border guards believe there may be thousands of people in Russia near the Finnish border attempting to cross illegally.
According to the Central Criminal Police (CCP), among those who have already entered Finland illegally are criminals, members of criminal organizations, soldiers disguised as civilians, and others who may pose a threat to national security. may be included.
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However, it is unclear whether these individuals have been found, as the large number of migrants makes identification complicated and delayed.
Finland closed all checkpoints along its border with Russia on November 30, in response to a significant increase in illegal third-country nationals seeking asylum at the border, with the cooperation of Russia’s border guards.
More than 800 migrants have entered Finland via Russia in recent weeks from countries including Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, the country’s Border Guard Agency said earlier.
Previously, the average influx of immigrants was less than one person per day.
Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö believes the Moscow-orchestrated migration crisis on the Finnish-Russian border is part of a “bigger picture” and a means for the Kremlin to destabilize the West. The Yale newspaper reported on December 2nd.
Norway’s Justice Minister Emily Enger Meer earlier said Norway supported the Finnish government’s decision and could close its border with Russia. Estonia issued a similar statement the following day.
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Estonia’s Border Guard Directorate General Yves Kalmus said on December 2 that Estonia is closing border checks with Russia as the number of people crossing the border has increased significantly since Finland began closing its border with Russia. He told Ale that the location could be closed “very quickly.”
Traffic has surged at Estonia’s Narva checkpoint after Finland closed its border with Russia. Approximately 1,000 more people crossed the Estonian-Russian border than before.
This increase is almost entirely due to traffic from Finland to Russia.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine