Lithuania probes foreign aid in Belarus-linked cigarette smuggling

Lithuania’s Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a preliminary investigation into suspected assistance to a foreign state, following reports of organised cigarette smuggling operations originating from neighbouring Belarus.

According to the Office, criminal groups in Belarus have been launching meteorological balloons loaded with illicit cigarettes, which are then collected by accomplices in Lithuania.

The decision to start the investigation was taken after radar systems repeatedly detected balloon flights crossing the border from Belarus.

In a statement, the Prosecutor General’s Office said the actions of those involved could be legally classified as providing assistance to a foreign state acting against Lithuania.

“This activity creates additional threats to national security,” the statement added.

Authorities did not specify how many people are under investigation or where exactly the balloons were recovered, but confirmed that such incidents have been recorded regularly.

Lithuania has been on heightened alert over cross-border smuggling and security risks as ties with Belarus remain strained.

By Aghakazim Guliyev