VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) - Lithuanian authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of 21 individuals allegedly linked to a criminal network that was engaged in smuggling cigarettes from Belarus using specially equipped weather balloons. This illicit operation has raised significant security concerns as these balloons have violated the Baltic country’s airspace in recent weeks.
In a coordinated effort, investigators conducted over 80 searches, which resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of cigarettes bearing Belarusian excise stamps. The operation also uncovered various items like SIM cards, communication and tracking signal jammers, and firearms. Additionally, luxury vehicles and valuable properties were confiscated during the series of raids executed across the country.
Earlier this month, Lithuania declared a national emergency due to the security risks posed by the meteorological balloons originating from Belarus. These unauthorized balloon flights have led to the repeated closure of Lithuania's main airport, stranding thousands of travelers. Furthermore, the situation prompted the shutdown of border crossings between Lithuania and Belarus, as Europe remained vigilant against potential breaches of airspace, particularly in light of earlier incursions during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Tuesday's operation involved more than 140 officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, Vilnius police, and specialized anti-terrorism units. The prosecutor’s office highlighted that the alleged smuggling network operated with a high level of organization, characterized by strict conspiratorial practices and a defined distribution of roles among its members. The systematic execution of cigarette smuggling operations was closely controlled by the organizers and their associates.
Prosecutors have stated that the individuals orchestrating the network may have been in direct contact with accomplices located in Belarus. Under favorable weather conditions, these balloon flights would launch from Belarus, carrying smuggled cigarettes. Tracking equipment and specialized software were reportedly used to monitor the balloons in transit, with precise landing coordinates in Lithuania communicated to those responsible for the pickup. The recipients of the contraband were required to transport the goods to previously agreed-upon locations or to transfer them to other individuals involved in the criminal activities.
All 21 suspects now face serious charges, including participation in a criminal organization, illegal handling and smuggling of excise goods, as well as aiding a foreign state in actions against Lithuania. The scale of arrests and the thoroughness of the investigation signal a robust response from Lithuanian authorities to combat this unusual and sophisticated method of smuggling.
