Finland probes suspected illegal crossing from Russia

Finland's North Karelia Border Guard initiated an investigation into a suspected illegal crossing from Russia into the country, broadcaster Yle reported Friday.

The incident reportedly took place late Wednesday near Lake Ilajanjarvi in the municipality of Ilomantsi. Border guards detected the crossing with surveillance sensors.

The individual is believed to have entered Finland through a forested section of the border where no new fence has been installed.

The Finnish Border Guard detained the foreign national, who subsequently applied for asylum in Finland. Before being detained, the individual managed to contact emergency services and report having crossed the border.

Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into a suspected border violation.

The commander of the North Karelia Border Guard District also held talks with his Russian counterpart in Suojarvi, on the Russian side of the border.