Estonia summons Russian ambassador after security official 'abducted' at border

TALLINN, Estonia, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Estonia's Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador to Estonia Yuri Merzlyakov following the alleged abduction of an Estonian Internal Security Service official near the Luhamaa border checkpoint on Friday.

"This is a very disturbing incident," Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet observed, adding "We expect to receive all manner of help and cooperation necessary from Russia in solving this case and bringing the Estonian citizen back to Estonia."

What exactly happened at the checkpoint is unclear.

Estonia's security police chief, Arnold Sinislau, asserts the officer was abducted from Estonia and taken into Russia, citing evidence at the scene. "Tracks leading from Russia to Estonia are evident... a scuffle occurred, then they head back."

According to Russian media, the Federal Security Service identified the man as Estonian security police bureau officer Eston Kohver. He was reportedly detained inside Russia in the northwestern Pskov region while on an undercover assignment. "He had a Taurus handgun, an amount of €5,000 in cash, equipment for covert audio recording, and materials indicative of an intelligence mission," the FSB press center reported.

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves cautioned against making assumptions about the security officer, suggesting he was conducting border police work. "Let's not jump to conclusions, folks. Estonia extremely good at stopping organised crime and smuggling. Among best controlled borders in EU."