Police have completed a criminal investigation into a 45-year-old Italian national suspected of the criminal offence of child exploitation for pornography. The suspect was arrested after being discovered by a security guard at a tourist facility in Istria on 4 August at around 17.30. The security guard managed to detain the man until police officers arrived, thereby preventing further action and a possible escape by the suspect.
During the criminal investigation, police officers found incriminating material on the suspect. Based on the evidence gathered, the man was brought to the detention unit of the Istrian Police Department on the evening of 5 August, following the submission of a criminal complaint. The proceedings are conducted under the supervision of the competent state attorney’s office.
In response to this incident, the Istrian Police Department issued a statement advising parents to ensure children wear swimsuits while bathing or playing on public surfaces. The police also emphasised the importance of swift action by citizens and urged anyone who notices a suspicious person filming children to report the incident immediately to the police on 192.
The Centre for Missing and Abused Children has called on parents and tourism staff to exercise heightened vigilance during the summer months. The Centre is running a campaign titled "The best children's swimsuit is the one you wear", in collaboration with the Centre for a Safer Internet. The aim of the campaign is to educate children, parents, and staff in camps, parks, beaches, and larger tourist facilities about the prevention of abuse and exploitation of minors.
