Lithuanian border guards detained a Polish citizen who was preparing to climb a border barrier to enter Belarus, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) said on Friday.
The man was apprehended on Wednesday, approximately 200 metres from the Belarusian border while in possession of makeshift ladders.
A bicycle, bags, a sleeping bag, and other personal belongings were found at the scene. The suspect was also carrying a hammer, knives, and nails. Envelopes containing US dollars and Polish zlotys, totalling nearly 60,000 euros, were discovered in one of the bags.
According to VSAT, the Polish national admitted he intended to climb over the physical barrier – a fence topped with concertina wire designed to deter migrants – to reach Belarus.
The suspect has been placed in custody. The Varėna border unit has launched a pre-trial investigation into the attempted illegal border crossing and currency smuggling, overseen by the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor's Office.
On Thursday, a court ordered the Polish citizen to be remanded in custody for one month. The seized cash is being held by the Varėna border unit.
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