Four Iraqis from Latvian migrant camp and their Estonian driver detained

Four Iraqi nationals thought to have fled a migrant facility in Latvia and their Estonian driver have been detained in Lithuania, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said.

Pagegiai Frontier District on Thursday opened a pre-trial investigation into suspected unlawful transportation of persons across the state border after the Iraqis and the Estonian national were handed over to the border guards by police officers from Vilkaviskis District, close to the border with Poland.

According to preliminary information, the four Iraqis absconded from a foreigners' registration center in Latvia and were on their way to Germany.

Their Estonian driver is being held in a SBGS unit after questioning. He may face a fine or arrest or up to six years in prison.

The SBGS said the Iraqi nationals would be handed over to Latvian border guards.