Six migrants found in car stopped in Utena; driver arrested

Lithuanian police in Utena apprehended a 19-year-old driver in a Toyota Yaris Cross with Polish license plates, discovering six foreign nationals packed inside the vehicle. The incident occurred on Sunday evening after police received information from the State Border Guard Service (VSAT).

Upon arrival at the scene, border guards identified five of the passengers as citizens of Afghanistan and one as a citizen of Pakistan. They reported entering Lithuania from Latvia and had not sought asylum in the country. The driver, who was transporting the individuals, was detained and taken to a VSAT facility.

A pre-trial investigation has been initiated for illegal human trafficking for mercenary purposes. The driver faces potential penalties including a fine or imprisonment of up to eight years. Typically, migrants apprehended using this route are returned to Latvia. A court has since ordered the driver's pre-trial detention for three months.