Police Arrest Swiss and Russian Nationals
The suspects were taken into custody at the Istria Police Department's detention unit, and police are urging parents to keep a close eye on their children at beaches and pools.
The suspects were taken into custody at the Istria Police Department's detention unit, and police are urging parents to keep a close eye on their children at beaches and pools.
The Istria Police Department has completed a criminal investigation into two foreign nationals, a 58-year-old Swiss citizen and a 30-year-old Russian citizen, suspected of the criminal offense of child exploitation for pornography. Both were caught within two days at tourist facilities in Istria, secretly recording naked children with their mobile phones.
The first incident occurred on August 6, 2026, at approximately 9:10 PM. Guests at a tourist facility in Istria noticed the 58-year-old Swiss national recording naked children with his phone. The man attempted to flee but fell and sustained minor injuries. Police officers arrested him at the scene.
During the criminal investigation, incriminating material was found on the suspect. The following day, August 7, in the evening hours, the Swiss national was brought to the Istria Police Department's detention unit along with a criminal complaint.
Just one day after the first arrest, on August 7 at around 6:00 PM, a security guard at another tourist facility in Istria caught the 30-year-old Russian national in a similar situation. The Russian was recording naked children by the pool with his phone.
The security guard held him until police arrived, and officers also found incriminating material on him. The suspect was taken to the Istria Police Department's detention unit on August 8 in the evening, after the investigation was completed.
Istria police noted that such cases show the public is increasingly aware of the issue of recording children, and that citizens recognize suspicious behavior, which enables timely response and apprehension of perpetrators.
Police also issued a clear appeal to parents: "Police urge parents to protect their children and to keep track of where they are and what they are doing at the beach. Dress children in swimwear, and if you notice a suspicious person recording children, immediately report it to the police at 192."
Both suspects remain in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
