A 29-year-old Sri Lankan citizen was convicted in Vitebsk of organizing an illegal migration channel and document forgery. The criminal scheme, which had been operating for several months, was completely dismantled by law enforcement.
From February to June 2025, the suspect, acting as part of a group by previous concert, organized the illegal entry and stay in Belarus of at least four Sri Lankan citizens. To accomplish this, he made false applications for Belarusian visas, personally met arriving migrants at Minsk National Airport, and then arranged for their transportation to Vitebsk, using a known taxi driver. Hotels and hostels were booked in advance, where the foreign citizens were accommodated for the initial period after their arrival. Thus, an entire logistical chain was established, arranging the illegal border crossing and subsequent stay in the country.
During the investigation, operation officers conducted searches, resulting in the seizure of a substantial body of evidence. Among the items of evidence was a counterfeit stamp intended to falsify applications. Notably, the stamp itself was manufactured in the defendant’s home country and delivered to Belarus by one of the migrants involved in the scheme. Also discovered were 59 prepared fictitious visa applications, letters of guarantee for the stay of foreigners, numerous passport photographs of Sri Lankan citizens awaiting their turn for illegal entry, and detailed correspondence with members of the group. The messages discussed routes for illegally crossing the Belarusian border with neighboring Schengen countries. Fourteen more prepared fictitious applications were also found on the defendant, indicating that he had no plans to cease his illegal activities.
During the court hearing, the defendant fully admitted his guilt in committing the crimes charged against him. Vitebsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office upheld the state prosecution under Part 1 of Article 371-1 and Part 1 of Article 380 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. Taking into account the evidence presented, the court sentenced him to imprisonment for one year and three months in a general regime penal colony. Additionally, the defendant is required to pay a fine of 200 basic amounts, or 9,000 Belarusian rubles. The sentence has not yet entered into legal force and may be appealed or challenged.
The prosecutor’s office noted that the illegal migration channel has been shut down, and law enforcement agencies continue to identify and prevent such schemes.
This case clearly demonstrates the state’s consistent attitude to migration control and border protection. Organizing illegal entry and forging documents entails serious criminal liability, regardless of the nationality of the person involved.