2 held after crossing Finnish border from Russia

The North Karelia Border Guard on Monday arrested two people after they had entered into Finnish territory from Russia crossing the border at Möhkö region, said Border Guard in a press release.

The detainees, who were suspected of crossing the border illegally sought asylum immediately after the arrest from Ilomantsi area in the early morning.

The Commander of the North Karelia Border Guard communicated with the Commander of Russian Border Guard’s Suojärvi Region in this regard.

The Border Guard is investigating into the incident as border crime.

The authority also brought them under the new EU screening procedure, which has been applied for the first time at the Finland's eastern border after screening law entered into force on June 12, 2026.

The procedure identifies the individuals and examines whether the detainees pose any threat to internal security or public health.

They were registered in the European Asylum Dactyloscopy Database- EU’s Eurodac.

Earlier, a man, who crossed the Finnish border into Russia was arrested on his return to Finnish territory at Värtsilä in ​​Tohmajärvi on June 6, 2026.

On April 14, 2026, a Swedish man, who crossed the Finnish border into Russia, was arrested on his return to Finnish territory at Lieksa area.

In October 2025, the North Karelia Border Guard held two foreign nationals for entering Finland after crossing Finland-Russia border illegally at Ilomantsi.

Earlier in September 2025, one person was held for entering Finland crossing Russian border.

In July 2025, the Southeast Finland Border Guard also held a man for entering Finland after crossing Finland-Russia border at Vaalimaa.

Finland continues to keep Russian border closed for sine die since December 2023 following Russian invasion of Ukraine.