Latvian authorities say they found a tunnel near the Belarus border close to Silene and arrested 15 people during an operation. InfoMigrants reports that the interior minister visited the site with border guards, police and military personnel.
The report concerns an ongoing investigation. It does not publicly establish who built the tunnel, how long it existed or the criminal responsibility of any person arrested.
What is confirmed
The confirmed public account is limited to the discovery, the location near Silene and the reported arrests. Authorities have said that searches and investigative work are continuing.
A border security operation is different from a finding about any individual person's right to protection. Allegations of facilitation or unlawful entry must be assessed through the legal process.
Why this is part of a wider border debate
Latvia's border with Belarus has been an important part of the EU's wider discussion about irregular crossings, state pressure and border management. That wider context does not answer the facts of this specific investigation.
Reliable information is especially important around border incidents because unverified claims can put people at risk. Vida Digital will report official findings and credible independent reporting, but will not publish information that could help someone evade border controls.
What remains unknown
The public reporting does not identify a builder, a route used by every person involved or a final motive. It also does not state what charges, if any, will follow for each person arrested.
Further statements from investigators or court records may clarify those points. Until then, claims that go beyond the discovery and arrests should be treated as unverified.
Primary record