Three French men found guilty of border violations at Finland-Russia border in Parikkala

Three French men have been found guilty of violating state border laws at the Finland-Russia border in the Parikkala area. According to a statement from the Southeast Finland Border Guard, the men crossed from Finland into Russia and spent a few minutes on the Russian side on Saturday. The border guard was alerted to their presence by a local resident, who reported seeing them walking toward the national border.

When the border guard patrol arrived, the men were located near the edge of the border gap, but they returned to Finland shortly afterward and were apprehended. The French nationals explained during the investigation that they were in Parikkala to observe nature and birds. Upon realizing they were close to the Finland-Russia border, they decided to explore it further, ultimately walking into Russian territory.

Despite having seen signs indicating the restricted border zone and regulations for movement on the Finnish side, the men reportedly paid no attention to them. All three admitted to their violation of border laws. The prosecutor is seeking fines equivalent to 30-40 daily penalties for each individual, in addition to a victim surcharge.

The Southeast Finland Border Guard reminds the public that permission is always required to move in the border zone. Any violations of border integrity will lead to an investigation, typically resulting in a fine.