BORDER BUSTS ⟩ Estonia Enforces New Border Measures for Russia Trips to Combat Doubling of Smuggling Attempts

The number of attempts to illegally transport sanctioned goods across Estonia's eastern border has skyrocketed, prompting Estonia to tighten customs control from August 8th. Starting Thursday, travelers to Russia will face complete inspections at the eastern border instead of random checks.

Voldemar Linno, head of the Customs Control Department of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, recently revealed in Finnish media that over the past year, every seventh person subject to random checks en route to Russia was found with sanctioned goods in their luggage.

After Finland decided to completely close its eastern border, pressure has mounted on Estonia's eastern border, particularly in the northeastern border city of Narva. The number of smuggling attempts to Russia has nearly doubled. Last year, over 5,000 violations were detected throughout the year, while this year, 4,714 violations have already been identified.

Most violators attempt to smuggle cash, electronics, microchips, computers, night vision devices, weapon sights, and weapon parts across the border. According to Linno, attempts are also made to smuggle military gear, including clothing and footwear. Drones are also on this list.

For example, at the Narva border checkpoint, the movement of Starlink space internet terminals and weapon parts—such as Glock semi-automatic handgun magazines and parts of AK rifles—has been intercepted. There have also been attempts to smuggle military clothing (including NATO uniforms), diving equipment, and cryptocurrency cards into Russia. In the latter case, the courier transports the cards across the border, not the card owners themselves.