Man held on return after crossing Finnish border into Russia

A man, who crossed the Finnish border into Russia was arrested on his return to Finnish territory at Värtsilä in ​​Tohmajärvi on Saturday, said Finnish Border Guard in a press release on Sunday. The North Karelia Border Guard located him at Sääperi area and arrested after his return from Russia through a point near Tohmajärvi outpost. The motive for the border crossings could not be known. The authority, however, did not divulge the detail identity of the suspect. The Commander of the North Karelia Border Guard communicated with the Commander of Russian Border Guards Suojärvi Region in this regard. The Border Guard is investigating into the incident as suspected state border crime. Earlier 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 Finlandafter crossing Finland-Russia border illegally at Ilomantsi. Earlier in September 2025, one person was heldfor entering Finland crossing Russian border. In July 2025, the Southeast Finland Border Guard also held a manfor entering Finland after crossing Finland-Russia border at Vaalimaa. Finland continues to keep Russian border closed for sine die since December 2023following Russian invasion of Ukraine.