Unfinished Underground Tunnel from Belarus Discovered in Lithuania

Lithuanian border guards have uncovered another secret tunnel originating from Belarus near the country's border. On Sunday evening, officers from the Varena border guard unit detected vibrations on the ground near the Kapčiamiestis border guard post, indicating potential underground digging activity.

The location is separated from Belarus by an unnamed stream. Due to unstable ground, the physical barrier, including a metal fence and barbed wire, is situated deeper within Lithuanian territory. Upon seeing the approaching border guards, approximately twenty foreign nationals, described as young men in civilian clothing, fled back into Belarusian territory.

On the bank of the stream, within Lithuanian territory and 9.5 meters before the physical barrier, border guards discovered an unfinished underground tunnel approximately 11 meters long. The tunnel was intended to continue under the patrol path deeper into Lithuania. Logs, likely meant for support, and excavated sand were found near the tunnel, with buckets inside. The tunnel was not completed, and an exit had not yet been created beyond the patrol path, preventing access into Lithuania via this underground route for illegal migrants or other individuals.

A pre-trial investigation has been initiated by the Varena border guard unit for illegal border crossing, led by a prosecutor from the Alytus District Prosecutor's Office of the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor's Office. The law prescribes a fine, arrest, or imprisonment of up to two years for such an offense. After the necessary procedural actions for the pre-trial investigation, the tunnel intended for illegal migration was filled in.