Border Guard suspects missing German woman crossed into Russia

The Finnish Border Guard suspects that a German woman who disappeared in Salla, Finnish Lapland, crossed into Russia, Yle reports. The case is being investigated as a suspected state border offence.

The woman, who is about 50, is believed to have crossed the border at a location where crossing is not permitted. Investigators suspect the crossing took place at the end of August, investigation leader Frans Hietanen said.

Finland’s land border with Russia has been closed since December 2023. Hietanen said the woman most likely crossed the border herself, and there was no indication that she had been abducted.

The investigation aims to enable authorities to question the woman. The Border Guard is exchanging information with neighbouring countries, including Russia.

Police began searching for the woman in early July after receiving a report of a passenger car in the water with no one inside. Police have since announced that they have ended the search.