Incomplete migrant tunnel discovered in Lazdijai district

Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (VSAT) officers have uncovered an incomplete underground tunnel in the Lazdijai district, believed to have been intended for illegal migrant crossings from Belarus into Lithuania, LRT reports.

The tunnel, under construction near Pertakas village, was detected on Sunday evening using technical equipment that identified ground vibrations. Border guards from the Varėna frontier unit’s Kapčiamiestis checkpoint responded to the site, where they observed around 20 men in civilian clothing retreating into Belarusian territory.

On the Lithuanian side, near a stream bank, authorities found an unfinished 11-metre-long underground tunnel being dug beneath a patrol path and extending into Lithuanian land. Wooden beams—likely intended as structural supports—excavated sand, and shovels were also discovered at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate the tunnel was not yet complete, as no exit point beyond the patrol path was found, meaning illegal migrants or others could not have entered Lithuania through it. An investigation into the illegal border crossing attempt has been launched. If convicted, those responsible could face fines, arrest, or up to two years in prison.

After processing the scene, authorities filled in the tunnel to prevent its use for illegal migration.